EP0022516B1 - Lampenloses Signalelement - Google Patents

Lampenloses Signalelement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0022516B1
EP0022516B1 EP80103744A EP80103744A EP0022516B1 EP 0022516 B1 EP0022516 B1 EP 0022516B1 EP 80103744 A EP80103744 A EP 80103744A EP 80103744 A EP80103744 A EP 80103744A EP 0022516 B1 EP0022516 B1 EP 0022516B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
fluorescent
element according
signalling element
output
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP80103744A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0022516A1 (de
Inventor
Ferdinand Dr. Quella
Heinz Dipl.-Phys. Pape
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT80103744T priority Critical patent/ATE10551T1/de
Publication of EP0022516A1 publication Critical patent/EP0022516A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0022516B1 publication Critical patent/EP0022516B1/de
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/32—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission with indicator element moving rectilinearly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/052—Phosphorescence

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lampless signal element (e.g. signal button, toggle switch, rotary knob, slide switch), possibly in conjunction with a label, which assumes different positions with respect to a fixed housing part in different switching states.
  • a lampless signal element e.g. signal button, toggle switch, rotary knob, slide switch
  • a lampless signal button is already known, the switching state of which can be easily recognized by one or more light symbols (areas or inscriptions) and which does not require a lamp (DE-AS 20 32 839).
  • a switch position mirrors redirect the ambient light falling laterally in a component of the switch button. In the other position, no light penetrates this component.
  • the solution according to the invention it is possible to illuminate not only a signal button, but also other switching devices, such as toggle switches, rotary switches and slide switches or the like.
  • the possibility of collecting light, in particular also diffuse light, and concentrating it on defined decoupling areas makes the signal element proposed according to the invention far superior to a system with mirrors in terms of its range of application and moves it close to active signal displays in terms of its recognizability.
  • the display is easy to read both at dusk and in very bright ambient light, which is not the case for LEDs or glow lamps for this wide range.
  • the integration of the fluorescent body in the actuating part has the advantage, since the actuating part is the movable part, that the lighting conditions can be changed in a simple manner.
  • the integration of the fluorescent body in the housing makes it possible to achieve much larger collecting areas than can be carried out, for example, in the movable part of conventional switches.
  • the fluorescent light is guided or coupled out via light guides. This enables lossless light guidance over areas that do not contribute to light collection.
  • FIG. 1 denotes a translucent button housing, in which a disk-shaped fluorescent body 2 with decoupling points 3 is introduced. Embossed notches or printed pigments in the form of symbols (letters or numbers) can be provided as decoupling points. White, colored, fluorescent or phosphorescent particles can in turn be applied as pigments.
  • the narrow sides of the fluorescent body 2 can be mirrored, which is indicated by the reference number 4.
  • the rear wall of the signal button is mirrored or provided with a diffusely reflecting coating. At an opaque mask 6 is attached to the front of the fluorescent body, leaving only the decoupling points 3 free.
  • the signal button is installed in a housing 7.
  • the signal (lettering, for example "ON” / "OFF", symbols or the like) lights up.
  • ambient light in FIG. 1 a strikes the plate-shaped fluorescent body 2 directly or via the mirror 5.
  • This is a body with smooth, parallel surfaces, which is made of a transparent material with a refractive index n > 1 exists (eg PMMA) and contains a fluorescent dye.
  • n refractive index 1 exists (eg PMMA) and contains a fluorescent dye.
  • FIG. 2 denotes the transparent front (light guide) of a lampless signal button which is somewhat modified compared to FIG. 1.
  • the light collecting device 2 is tubular, whose. rear side surfaces are provided with reflectors 4.
  • the fluorescent light is reflected via the reflectors 9 in the light guide 8, which forms the front.
  • the collected light is emitted to the front. So that no ambient light reaches the fluorescent body (through the transparent front plate 8) when the signal button is pressed in, a cover 6 adapted to this embodiment against ambient light is provided, as in FIG.
  • the translucent housing 1, which can also be made like milk glass, primarily serves to protect the fluorescent body against scratching. In principle, the housing can be dispensed with.
  • FIG. 3 shows a toggle switch with the axis of rotation 10, in which the fluorescent body is located in the actuating part.
  • the light collected by the fluorescent body 2 is guided through the light guide 8 and leaves it at 3.
  • the fluorescent body is folded into the housing 7 and the covers 6 prevent light from entering the transparent housing 1 :. Accordingly, no light emerges at 3 in this switch position.
  • Changes in the geometric shape and construction are possible when only care is taken that in each case one light entry opening is open only in a switching state, the or is covered in the other switching state esch g lossen.
  • Figure 4a shows a rotary switch in plan view and Figure 4b in section.
  • the reflectors 9 guide the fluorescent light into the light guide 8, so that it exits at 3.
  • the housing parts designated 7 are opaque.
  • the knob 11 is turned, for example by 90 °, the fluorescent bodies 2 disappear behind the opaque housing parts 7, so that they are not reached by the ambient light. Instead, the preferably differently colored fluorescent bodies 2 'are now illuminated by the ambient light. Instead of a division into 90 ° sections, any division is possible.
  • a plurality of fluorescent bodies can also be connected in series in front of a light entry opening 1.
  • FIG. 1 A plate-shaped fluorescent body 2 is applied to a slide 12. On one side, the collected fluorescent light is fed to the viewer via the light guide 8 and the decoupling point 3. The other sides are provided with reflectors 4. This figure shows the state in which the signal element is illuminated. If the slide is sunk to the right behind the opaque housing wall 7, the decoupling point 3 remains dark.
  • FIG. 6 shows a push button in which several switch positions can be displayed.
  • the Flu p reszenz Chemistry 2 is a part of the housing.
  • the push button consists of opaque material 13 in which light guides 8a and 8b are provided. Reflectors 9 serve to guide the light. In the position shown, light emerges via the light guide 8a and the coupling-out point 3a, for example in a punctiform manner. In a middle position, in which the push button is pressed in so deeply that the light guide 8b is struck by the fluorescent light, light, for example in a ring, emerges via the decoupling point 3b. If the push button is pressed in further until the light guides are sunk into the housing, the decoupling point remains dark.
  • FIG. 7a shows a toggle switch in section in a side view and in FIG. 7b in a top view.
  • the fluorescent body 2 represents the cover plate.
  • Light is thus coupled in in each switch position and light is coupled out once at the top and once at the bottom, depending on the switch position. Accordingly, the upper name lights up, e.g. "ON”, and once the lower name, e.g. "From to.
  • Figure 8a shows a rotary switch in section and Figure 8b in plan view.
  • the light collected by the fluorescent body p r 2 is deflected via the reflectors 9, passes the actuating part through the transparent window 81 and is coupled out via 3.
  • the reflect gates 9 and the arrangement of transparent windows 81 let light through at different points.
  • the slide switch shown again in two views in FIG. 9 has, for example, four switch positions A to D.
  • the sectional view 9a is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the top view 9b.
  • the generally translucent housing 1 of the actuating part carries a bar made of light guides 8 and opaque areas 13.
  • a light guide 8 is located above the reflector 9 and is thereby illuminated from below with fluorescent light.
  • the invention can be adapted to any shape.
EP80103744A 1979-07-16 1980-07-01 Lampenloses Signalelement Expired EP0022516B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

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

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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

Publications (2)

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

Family

ID=6075855

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP80103744A Expired EP0022516B1 (de) 1979-07-16 1980-07-01 Lampenloses Signalelement

Country Status (5)

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

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7755506B1 (en) 2003-09-03 2010-07-13 Legrand Home Systems, Inc. Automation and theater control system
US7778262B2 (en) 2005-09-07 2010-08-17 Vantage Controls, Inc. Radio frequency multiple protocol bridge

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2539241B1 (fr) * 1983-01-07 1985-07-19 F M Atelier Meca Precision Composant electromecanique a visualisation
US4783581A (en) * 1985-10-29 1988-11-08 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Air gap switch assembly
DE3736617A1 (de) * 1987-10-29 1989-05-11 Asea Brown Boveri Einrichtung zur anzeige einer bestimmten stellung eines innerhalb eines gebaeudes beweglichen bauelementes
JPH08207194A (ja) * 1995-02-01 1996-08-13 Ykk Kk 蓄光体
ES2114827B1 (es) * 1996-07-31 1999-05-16 Schneider Electric Espana Sa Sistema de señalizacion de elementos electricos.
US20210202188A1 (en) * 2019-12-27 2021-07-01 Eric Benden Luminous Light Switch Assembly

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2554226A1 (de) * 1975-12-03 1977-06-08 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Anordnung zur passiven helligkeitsverstaerkung von ein- oder mehrfarbigen anzeigevorrichtungen

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1420829A (en) * 1917-02-07 1922-06-27 Maxwell C Frank Attachment for electric switches
US2032540A (en) * 1934-09-01 1936-03-03 Standard Mirror Co Inc Illuminated faceplate for electric switches and the like
US2428792A (en) * 1945-06-28 1947-10-14 George H Evans Illumination system
US3037137A (en) * 1959-05-18 1962-05-29 James F Motson Flexible light source
DE196601C (un) * 1963-03-01
US3484607A (en) * 1968-01-30 1969-12-16 Mid Continent Mfg Co Apparatus producing radiant energy at an exit face from stimulation of a luminophor through the phenomenon of dielectric trapping
CH517367A (de) * 1970-04-02 1971-12-31 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Betätigungsknopf mit Signalteil und Verwendung desselben
US3691985A (en) * 1971-02-08 1972-09-19 Jon L Otterlei Spring biasing means for a self-illuminating pushbutton
CH541195A (de) * 1971-04-16 1973-08-31 Pneumotech Ag Digitale Anzeigevorrichtung
DE7209163U (de) * 1972-03-10 1972-05-31 Daimler Benz Ag Elektrischer Druckknopfschalter für Kraftfahrzeuge od. dgl
FR2308155A1 (fr) * 1975-04-18 1976-11-12 Aerospatiale Procede et panneau d'affichage photoluminescent
DE2833679C3 (de) * 1977-08-08 1981-04-23 Deutsche Itt Industries Gmbh, 7800 Freiburg Drucktastenschalter mit optischer Schalterstellungsanzeige

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2554226A1 (de) * 1975-12-03 1977-06-08 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Anordnung zur passiven helligkeitsverstaerkung von ein- oder mehrfarbigen anzeigevorrichtungen

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Bergmann/Schäfer, Lehrbuch der Experimentalphysik Bd. III (Optik), 7. Aufl. 1978, S. 162 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7755506B1 (en) 2003-09-03 2010-07-13 Legrand Home Systems, Inc. Automation and theater control system
US7778262B2 (en) 2005-09-07 2010-08-17 Vantage Controls, Inc. Radio frequency multiple protocol bridge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2928700A1 (de) 1981-02-19
EP0022516A1 (de) 1981-01-21
JPS5615513A (en) 1981-02-14
ATE10551T1 (de) 1984-12-15
US4340817A (en) 1982-07-20

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