Global Patent Index - EP 1445990 B1

EP 1445990 B1 20060426 - Multiple location switching of an AC load

Title (en)

Multiple location switching of an AC load

Title (de)

Schalten einer AC Last von mehreren Plätzen aus

Title (fr)

Contrôle d'un appareil à courant alternatif depuis plusieurs endroits

Publication

EP 1445990 B1 20060426 (EN)

Application

EP 04250598 A 20040204

Priority

  • GB 0302976 A 20030210
  • GB 0307217 A 20030328

Abstract (en)

[origin: EP1445990A1] It is common for lamps to be controlled from two switches so that, for example, a hall light can be turned on and off by either of two switches. There are occasions when it would be desirable for the lamp to be controlled by more switches, for example a switch at both ends of the hall and another on the landing above. <??>An electrical switch for AC is disclosed, for connection in parallel with others of the same kind. The switch has an operating member, a controlled switching device and a controller for controlling the time in a cycle from which the switching device conducts. The controller is responsive to the voltage across the switching device to detect a time in a cycle from which the switching device in one of the parallel switches conducts so as to determine whether all parallel switches are idle, that another switch is on, or when it is itself on that another switch has been operated. <??>When all parallel switches are idle the controller is responsive to an operating signal produced by operation of the operating member to perform an on function causing the switching device to conduct from a first set time within the cycle. The controller is being responsive to a subsequent operating signal to cause the switching device not to conduct, or to the determination that another switch has been operated to cause the switching device not to conduct. When another parallel switch is on, the controller is responsive to the operating signal to cause the switching device to conduct from a second set time in advance of the first and to perform an off function. <??>Installation of the switches is simple since they need only to be connected in parallel at the switch or the light fitting. Each switch can then both turn on the light or turn it off independently. <IMAGE>

IPC 8 full level

H05B 37/02 (2006.01); H05B 39/08 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

H05B 39/086 (2013.01); H05B 47/185 (2020.01)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 1445990 A1 20040811; EP 1445990 B1 20060426; AT E324769 T1 20060515; DE 602004000701 D1 20060601

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 04250598 A 20040204; AT 04250598 T 20040204; DE 602004000701 T 20040204