FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

This invention relates to multi-function control switches for electrically operating apparatus. The electrical apparatus may be lamps or other appliances or electrically operated devices. The present invention provides a multi-function control switch which may be mounted in a standard junction box, and which controls a variety of functions affecting the electrical devices to which it is connected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: The control of electrical lamps and other electrical operating and controllable apparatus is initiated, in the first instance, by operating a switch. Usually, the switch is one which simply turns the lamp or other electrical device on or off. However, in many instances, such as in rooms in homes or offices, it may be desirable to change the level of illumination coming from installed lamps. This may be accomplished such as by turning off one or more of a number or group of lamps, or especially where the lamps are incandescent by controlling their light output through a dimmer switch. Dimmer switches may comprise a voltage divider or rheostat, but more usually they are fast operating solid state switches or silicon controlled rectifiers that turn on and off at various points during each cycle of the alternating current being fed to the lamp so as to effectively control the amount of power being delivered to the lamp and thus its light output.

Moreover, there are a number of other functions that are desirable to be attributed to control switches and circuits for lamps. For example, it is common for timer or random timer switches to be associated with lamps so as to turn the lamps on and off at various times over a given period of time. This is so as to give the appearance to an observer, for example, of a home being occupied and

therefore being one into which a prospective burglar should not enter for fear of being discovered. Sometimes, however, if a timer is set so as to turn the lights on or off at a given time each day, that pattern can be noted and the purpose for which the timer or other illumination control has been installed will thereby be defeated. To overcome that problem, it may be desirable to effect one or two different timer control approaches: The first being to set a timer and associated microprocessor into operative condition to observe and remember the sequence and timing of the various operations and functions to which the lamps or other electrical devices have been subjected over a period of, say, 24 to 48 hours, and then to repeat them over subsequent periods ~ perhaps with a deliberate offset of 15 or 30 minutes, plus or minus, with respect to any one switching function. The other option would be to specifically program a microprocessor to effect certain operations or functions over the next 24 or 48 hours, for example, and then to repeat those functions over subsequent periods of time. Still further, if the owner or occupant of a home or office wishes to install such as an intruder alarm, then such a purpose may require the purchase and installation of an entirely different control apparatus or appliance. Specifically, there are a number of different kinds of intruder alarm apparatus, including those which operate by establishing a beam of light which must be broken before an alarm is given, those which flood an area with very low power microwave emissions and -- after the device has been calibrated -- can sense an echo from a foreign object entering into the area, or the use of infrared detectors which sense the presence of a heat source such as a human body when it is within the viewing radius and sensing range of the infrared sensor. While each of those intruder alarm possibilities is electrically powered, the first option requires at least two point installations even if the second point installation is merely a mirror or other reflector; the second option requires expensive and physically large apparatus and is more generally used as proximity sensors to open doors of retail stores and the like, or for protecting storage yards and the like. The use of infrared sensors, however, may be such that physically small devices can be used, provided that they are situated and physically located in a position where the best coverage for

such as an enclosed room may be obtained. It happens that very often lamp switches for a room are located in such a position, usually in a position that may be about chest high above the floor for a normal adult, and very often near a door or other entrance into the room. All of the above considerations, having to do with the prospective security aspects of a home or office whereby the home or office gives the appearance of being occupied even if it is not, and further having regard to the feasibility of adjusting the level of illumination within a room, and still further having regard to the desirability in some instances to place a sensor for purposes of an intruder alarm, have given rise to the multi-function control switch of the present invention.

At the same time, it is desirable to provide such a multi-function control switch that may be mounted inexpensively and without the requirement for substantial additional structure or components being installed in the wall of the room in which the switch is to be placed. Also, the switch should be such that it can be mounted in a standard junction box in keeping with prevailing electrical codes.

Still further, it is desirable to provide a multi-function control switch that serves the function not only of a standard on/off switch for a lamp or other electrical apparatus of appliance, but when associated with lamps — especially incandescent lamps -- will serve the purpose as a dimmer, as well as other purposes and functions such as a timer, an intruder switch, and so on.

It is noted that, usually, a lamp switch mounted on a wall will either be a rocker switch or a toggle switch. Standard toggle switches are inexpensive, and provide only a simple toggle function -- either the switch is in an "on" position or it is in an "off position.

Rocker switches, on the other hand, have a different appearance so as to generally provide a much larger face which protrudes less from the wall, where the face occupies most of the area of the mounting place, and will function by touching one end or the other of the rocker switch to move it from one position to the other ~ "on" or "off. Also, when a rocker switch is operated, the ends of

the switch move forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the rocker axis about which the rocker arm moves only a very slight distance.

It has occurred to the present inventor that the substantially planar face of a rocker switch may provide areas where touch-sensitive or micro-switches or diaphragm switches might be placed, as opposed to toggle switches per se, so that several functions could be accomplished simply by touching the appropriate area on the face of the rocker switch. Moreover, the availability of miniaturized components, microprocessors, solid state switches and other operating devices, provides an easy means for mounting several such components in a small and compact volume.

Likewise, the availability of low power consuming and physically small lamps such as light emitting diodes and the like, provides means whereby different areas having different switch functions or other indicia purposes may be designated on the front planar face of the actuating arm of a multi-function switch as contemplated by the present invention.

Still further, other switches having moveable actuating arms can be provided where there are two axes of rotation, one axis of rotation being located at each end of the actuating arm. In those switches, a pushing action against either end of the switch face will cause the actuating arm to pivot about the other end, thereby causing an electrical switching function to occur. Thus, several functions can be accomplished simply by touching one end or the other of the actuating arm of such switches, and because they also may have relatively large front planar faces it is possible to place low power consuming and physically small lamps behind or even passing through the face of the actuating arm. Accordingly, the present invention provides a multi-function control switch for electrical lamps and other electrical apparatus and appliances, where a body for the switch will accommodate a plurality of switch modules, lamp modules, lenses, panels, solid state microprocessors, solid state timers, and other solid state operating modules, all of which have small physical size and low operating power. An actuating arm, which has first and second ends each having a portion with a substantially planar face located on its outer surface, is provided. The

actuating arm may have a neutral position and be movable from that neutral position to either a first operating or a second operating position, or it may simply have first and second operating positions and be movable from one position to the other. When a rocker-type actuating arm is employed, there is a rocker axis and the first operating position of the rocker-type actuating arm is when the first arm and the planar face associated with it are advanced forward, and the second end and the planar face associated with it are advanced rearward, with respect to the rocker axis. The second operating position is the reverse, when the second end and planar face associated with it are advanced forward, and the first end and planar face associated with it are advanced rearward, with respect to the rocker axis.

In keeping with the provisions of the present invention, at least one electrical switch is installed in at least one of the first and second ends of the actuating arm. For purposes described later, since those switches are essentially ones which have an operating or "on" position and a non-operating or "off position, such switches are generally described as being electrical single pole single throw switches. In keeping with a further provision of the invention, each electrical single pole single throw switch may have an illuminatable lamp associated with it, and the lamp may be adapted to be illuminated with respect to the switch when it is in its operative condition. So as to provide a means whereby the illuminated lamp may be seen, when illuminated, either the lamp will extend through the face of the actuating arm or there will be associated with each lamp an at least partially translucent panel that is mounted in the face of the rocker-type actuating arm. Also, so as to provide meaning for each such illuminated low power lamp, a symbol or other graphic or written representation or icon may be provided either on the face of the actuating arm or on an at least partially translucent panel mounted in the face of the actuating arm, so as to indicate the specific function of a switch with which the lamp may be associated. The colour of the lamp or of the at least partially translucent panel may also be employed to provide any significance to the fact that the lamp is illuminated. In

any event, provision is made so that each illuminatable lamp will, in one way or another, give a mutually exclusive indication of its specific meaning ~ such as the function of a respective electrical single pole single throw switch with which it is associated. As noted above, each respective electrical single pole single throw switch in the switch module has at least a toggle function so as to turn its respective function "on" or "off from a non-operative mode to an operative mode, and vice versa, as required. Moreover, each respective switch may optionally have other programmable functions associated with it when it is in its operative mode. An optional lens may be installed in the front face of the switch, which lens is translucent to radiation in the infrared energy band. There may then be associated with that lens an infrared sensor which will sense the presence of a human body or other heat source when it is within the viewing radius and sensing range of the infrared sensor. A further switch may be provided which will issue an alarm signal. Indeed, the multi-function control switch may be provided having only one electric single pole single throw switch installed in the actuating arm and having a toggle function, together with the lens and infrared sensor, so that the switch serves a specific purpose in the same manner as a conventional switch but also serves to provide infrared sensing by which an alarm signal or other function of a lamp to which the switch may be connected, will be actuated. As noted, other devices such as a solid state lamp dimmer may be associated with the electrical switch, whereby the brightness of a controllable lamp may be increased or decreased.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a multi- function control switch which may be mounted such as in a standard junction box but which will provide a multiplicity of control or switch functions for lamps or other electrically operating and controllable apparatus or appliances connected to it.

Other purposes of the present invention, and the details of multi-function control switches in keeping with it, are described hereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The present invention will now be described in associated with the accompanying figures of drawings, which are exemplary and of a schematic nature only, and in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation sectional view of a first embodiment of multi¬ function control switch in keeping with the present invention, taken along line 1 - 1 in Figure 3;

Figure 2 is a sectional view similar to Figure 1 of a second embodiment, taken along line 2 - 2 in Figure 4; Figure 3 is a front view of the first embodiment switch;

Figure 4 is a front view of the second embodiment switch; Figure 5 is a top sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a top sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 in Figure 3; Figure 7 is a sectional view similar to Figures 1 and 2 of a third embodiment, taken along line 7 - 7 of Figure 8;

Figure 8 is a front view of the third embodiment switch; Figure 9 is a front view of yet a further embodiment switch; and Figure 10 is a generalized schematic view showing the multi-function control switch of the present invention in a typical installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

In the following discussion, like components in various Figures will be identified by the same reference numeral. Thus, an identical reference numeral will identify identical components even though they appear in one or another of the embodiments of the invention being discussed.

Turning to Figure 1, a generalized view of a multi-function control switch in keeping with the present invention is shown. Here, a generalized multi¬ function control switch 10 is shown mounted in a junction box 12 that is mounted in wall 14. A face plate or cover plate 16 permits access into the interior of the junction box 12 for purposes of connecting the switch 10, after which it provides the finish appearance and precludes access to the mounted switch.

A rocker-type actuating arm 18 is mounted at the front of the multi¬ function control switch 10; and as shown in Figure 2, the rocker-type actuating arm 18 has a rocker axis 20. The rocker-type actuating arm 18 has a first end 22, and a second end 24. The rocker arm 18 is mounted with a pair of switch plungers 26 and return springs 28, one of which is mounted at each end of the rocker arm 18 at positions 30 and 32 as shown in Figure 3. The cover plate 16 is mounted to the body 34 of the multi-function control switch such as by bolts at positions 36 and 38 as shown in Figure 3.

As noted in Figures 1 and 2, the front face portions 22 and 24 of the rocker arm 18 are each substantially planar; and as noted in Figures 3 and 4, there may be at least one (usually two) at least partially translucent panels 40, 42, 44, and 46 located in the planar front face portions. The rocker arm is generally an opaque molded plastic material, but each of the at least partially translucent panels has less or substantially no colour. Behind each of the at least partially translucent panels there may be a lamp such as a light emitting diode (LED) 48.

Associated with each at least partially translucent panel there may be a symbol or other graphic or written representation or icon. These may be stencilled or placed such as by a decal, and are designed so as to indicate the specific function of a respective switch which may be associated with that panel, as discussed hereafter. Typical symbols or icons are illustrated in Figure 3, for example, where the icon associated with panel 40 suggests a timer function, that with panel 42 suggests an alarm or lock function, that with 44 suggests another operating function such as a dimmer, and that with 46 suggests an on/off function for the switch 10. There may be associated with each or any translucent panel, such as panel

42 and LED 48, an electrical switch such as switch 50. That switch is generally one which has two positions, operating and non-operating, or "on" and "off. Thus, such a switch is electrically equivalent to being a single pole, single throw electrical switch. However, each such switch may be a touch sensitive switch, or a micro-switch, or a diaphragm switch, and so on. Also associated with the various electrical switches, as discussed hereafter, there may be a module such as

a solid state microprocessor, solid state timer, or otherwise, such as the function module F _n shown at 52 in Figure 1. Likewise, as shown in Figure 2, there may be a microprocessor 54 associated with the switch 51, as shown in that figure. There is also shown in Figure 1 a protrusion 56 with which is associated an optional lens 58 mounted in the front face thereof. Behind the lens 58, which may have a semi-circular aspect as shown in Figures 5 and 6, there may be mounted an infrared sensor 60 with which is associated a switch 62. By properly choosing the infrared sensor, and the material of the lens 58 so as to be translucent to radiation in the infrared energy band, the switch 62 may be arranged and adapted to issue a signal when the infrared sensor 60 senses the presence of a human body or other heat source within its viewing radius as provided for by the lens 58 and within its own sensing range.

One of the functions that may be controlled by one of the electrical single pole, single throw switches and its associated function module is that of a dimmer, where the function module is a solid state lamp dimmer, for example. There, the dimmer is adapted to issue an electronic dimming signal « such as by a signal from a phase-controlled silicon rectifier -- which will increase or decrease the brightness of at least one controllable lamp which is electrically connected to it. But, as noted, this dimming function may be associated with a number of other functions, all found within the same multi-function control switch.

For example, there may be associated with one of the electrical single pole single throw switches a programmable timer and microprocessor circuit. One purpose that may be served by the programmable timer and microprocessor, especially where the microprocessor has non-volatile memory, is that it may be programmed so as to remember all operations to which the multi-function control switch has been subjected over a previous span of a predetermined number of hours — for example, 24 or 48 hours. Thus, each time a lamp was dimmed or brightened, turned on or off, or another function was performed over that time span, an entry is made into the memory of the microprocessor. Then, the switch may be activated so that all of those operations and other functions that were carried out by the multi-function control switch, and their sequence and their

timing, will be remembered. Then, the operation of the microprocessor may be set so as to repeat the same functions over one or more subsequent identical time spans.

Likewise, that or another programmable timer and microprocessor circuit can be adapted to be programmed in advance, so as to remember all functions and their sequence and timing that might then be carried out over a subsequent time span, in keeping with the set program.

Returning to the discussion of the infrared sensor 60 and the switch 62 associated with it, there may be a further function module 64 associated with the switch 62 as shown in Figure 6. That function module 64 may be such as to ring an alarm when the switch 62 is closed as a consequence of sensor 60 having detected the presence of a human body or other heat source. Thus, an intruder alarm is provided which is easily powered from and associated with the same power source as is being controlled by the multi-function control switch mounted in the junction box in the usual manner.

Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown yet another embodiment of the multi-function control switch where the actuating arm has two axes of rotation. In this case, an actuating arm 102 is shown, and it is constructed so that the ends 104 and 106 have a pair of switch plungers 108 and 110, each having a return spring 112 or 114. Pressure against the face of the actuating arm 102 at end 104 will cause it to rotate about an axis located substantially at end 106, and vice versa, so that the first or second operating positions come from pressure against one or the other end of the actuating arm with rotation of the arm about the opposite end. Also shown in Figure 7 is a pair of light emitting diodes 116 and 118 which extend through openings formed through the face of the actuating arm 102. The function of the switch is otherwise as described above. Thus, for example, when the switch 50 or 51 is in its operative mode, a respective LED 118 or 116 may be illuminated.

As shown in Figure 8, the means by which the mutually exclusive indication of the specific function of a respective electrical single pole single throw switch associated with either of the LEDs 116 or 118 -- or generally, as described above, where a switch and LED are specifically associated with each other — may be by way of an icon or other graphic or written representation that is placed or inscribed on the face of the actuating arm 102 at positions 120 or 122.

With reference to Figure 9, there is shown a switch similar to that shown in Figures 7 and 8, but in this case only a single LED 116 and associated indicator 120 is shown. However, the switch face 102 has associated with it a protrusion 56 and the lens 58, whose function and purposes are the same as described above.

It should also be noted that there may be circumstances whereby the infrared translucence of the lens 58 may be affected. For example, a buildup of grease -- even from finger prints over a substantial period of time -- or scratches and the like might destroy or reduce the ability of the lens to transmit infrared light. However, it is possible to place a protective covering over the lens which is, itself, translucent to infrared light and which may be replaced from time to time. In the alternative, the lens may be recessed and protected by one or more bars or a cage-like structure placed in front of it.

Finally, turning to Figure 10, a typical installation of the multi-function control switch 10 is shown. Here, the switch 10 has a plurality of electrical single pole single throw switches 66, 68, 70, and 72, and the infrared sensor 60. Each is associated with a function module 74, 76, 78, 80, or 82 which may be such as a microprocessor, a timer, an alarm circuit, and so on. Signal lines lead from the function modules such as to a multiplexer or other interface 84, and from there to such as a lamp or lamp group 86, an alarm bell 88, and an interlock 90. Clearly, various functions can be established in each of the various function modules, so as to turn on or off, or adjust the illuminance of the lamp or lamp group 86, so as to initiate an alarm signal such as upon the sensing of a human body or other heat source, and to open or lock doors using interlock 90. These

are just a few examples of the multi-function control switch that might be carried out, in keeping with the present invention and as contemplated hereby.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.