WO1995002231A1

WO1995002231A1 - Remote controlled switch and operating mode of same

Info

Publication number: WO1995002231A1
Application number: PCT/NO1994/000123
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leif Moe-Nilssen
Original assignee: Moe Nilssen Leif
Priority date: 1993-07-09
Filing date: 1994-07-11
Publication date: 1995-01-19
Also published as: NO940510L; NO301619B1; AU7240194A; NO940510D0

Abstract

A switch system and for remotely controlled electrical breakers comprising a transmitter (10) and a number of separate receivers (12) which are connected to associated electrical switches. The receivers (12) are controlled by an infrared signal emitted from the transmitter (10). Each receiver (12) has a number of time-controlled light-regulating functions and if desired light-dimming functions. Each receiver (12) plus the transmitter (10) is provided with its respective circuit board and with its associated microprocessor. The transmitter (10) is adapted to establish a programming connection with a respective receiver (12). The transmitter (10) is further equipped with first actuating means (27a-27c) in order to program a specific function in a respective receiver (12) and second actuating means (32-34) for initiating the specific function in the receiver (12). A process for programming of various functions is activated by activating via actuating means (27a-27c) of the transmitter over different time intervals. Time-limited functions are programmed via actuating means (27a-27c) of the transmitter by equivalent time-related activation of the same.

Description

Remote controlled switch and operating mode of same.

The present invention relates to a switch system for remotely controlled electrical switches, where the system comprises a transmitter and a number (one or more) of receivers, where the receiver, and thereby its associated electrical switches, are controlled by infra red signals emitted from the transmitter.

A switch system of the kind indicated by way of introduction is particularly designed for light switches having a simple on/off switch function. The use of infra red signals for the programmable remote control of light systems, for example such as shown in EP-482 680, DE-3 719 384, US-4 935 733, US-5 187 655 and US-5 237 264. The known solutions are relatively complicated both as regards construction and as regards programming and operation. In the known systems line connections between transmitters and the various receivers are not employed, since the actuation of the respective on/off breaker, and the like, takes place by the transfer of control signals with infra red light from transmitter to receiver, which is coupled to a switch for the lighting point. The transmitter can consequently be placed independently of the remaining electrical installation and can therefore be placed and moved as required all according to which refittings are of current interest and which special lighting effects are desired to be achieved. It is a big advantage that both the region for placing the transmitter and the specific height level for placing the transmitter can be changed as required, independently of the remaining electrical installation. Especially in new buildings and in the rehabilitation of buildings significant saving can be achieved with the afore-mentioned known system and significant savings in later refittings or in moving the switch-operating means.

When there is discussion herein about electrical switches, it is first and foremost discussion about switches for illumination purposes. However it is apparent that the switches can also be employed in addition for other purposes which are based on electrical energy, for example for space heating-, smoke detection- and burglar detection purposes, etc.. In the following however considerable weight will be placed on use in connection with illumination purposes, as a typical mode of appli¬ cation.

In the known solution a relatively simple control signal is employed in order to effect the on/off switch function. According to the invention the aim is to control the remotely controlled receivers separately with respec¬ tive, coded signals. More specifically the aim is to be able to control the remotely controlled receivers separately with functions which in part are different from the known functions and in part with functions correspond¬ ing to the known functions, as will be described in more detail further down in the specification.

With the present invention the objective is conse- quently a further development of the afore-mentioned switch systems, so that in addition to the on/off function per se , extra functions which can be selected in a ready manner by the user can in addition be programmed or operated by simple means. The individual receivers can hence be programmed and operated separately in a ready manner and as desired separately with specially programmed switch functions. A particular aim is to be able to program at any rate at least one receiver, so that the latter operates at certain established points of time or at established time intervals, while the latter in the remaining time period can be wholly or partially out of operation (switched off or dimmed) . Inter alia there can be achieved thereby a significant saving in the consumption of current. In addition the illumination or other effects can be regu¬ lated as required according to modern programmed modes of operation.

The switch system according to the invention is characterised in that each receiver, in addition to an on/off function, is programmable with a number of time- controlled regulating functions and if necessary remaining functions, such as an automatic light-dimming function, each receiver, plus the transmitter, being provided with its respective circuit board and its associated micro¬ processor, for reception inter alia of respective emissi¬ ons of coded signals, that the transmitter is provided with a regulating button with a number of address posi¬ tions for the establishment of a separate connection to a respective receiver, the transmitter being provided with first actuating means (micro-switches) designed for pro¬ gramming a number of specific switch functions for a respective receiver, and the transmitter being provided with second actuating means (operating buttons) for initiating the specific switch function in the receiver. In the switch system according to the invention the user has the possibility with simple means in the tran- smitter to effect programming of specific switch functions for one or more receivers as required and separately with one and the same remotely controlled transmitter. In addition the respective receiver can be programmed with coded control signals with specific switch functions separately. With the present invention one can conse¬ quently as desired, by remote control, initiate a simple switch operation or initiate a specific switch control program in addition to the simple switch operation (on/off function) for the respective receiver. Stated in another way there is according to the invention combined in one and the same transmitter both equipment for remote operation of one or more receivers together with equipment for the remote programming of different switch functions in respective receivers.

The said first actuating means which is used for the programming operations per se can be arranged on a bottom member internally in the transmitter, while the second actuating means which is used for the initiation of an actual switch function or the programmed switch control program can be arranged on a cover member on the trans¬ mitter. It is preferred that the first and second actuating means can be physically connected to each other, so that the first actuating means can be utilised in a rational manner both for the programming operation and for the remote control function. Thereby a simple constructional design can be achieved of both transmitter and receivers and at the same time a relatively simple operation of transmitter and receivers in the said different pro¬ gramming cperations and working operations.

The invention also relates to a process for pro- gramming and operating a switch system for one or more remotely controlled electrical switches in connection with a receiver, where a transmitter by means of a coded infra red signal controls one or more receivers inter alia to and from an on/off position. The process is characterised in that programming of the receiver, or the receivers separately, is effected by a time-adjusted activation of the one or more actuating means of the transmitter, the programming taking place with an operating button in the transmitter adjusted to a selected one of a number of possible positions, and that subsequent operation of the receiver or receivers is effected by activating said actuating means of the transmitter, the operation taking place with the operating button in a specific remaining position.

Further features of the present invention will be evident from the following description having regard to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic arrangement of a transmitter and associated receivers in a common space.

Fig. 2 shows the transmitter in perspective. Fig. 3 shows a bottom member of the transmitter viewed obliquely from above.

Fig. 4 shows a cover member of the transmitter viewed from the back side.

Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the transmitter. Fig. 6 shows a receiver in perspective.

Fig. 7 shows a bottom member of the receiver viewed from above.

Fig. 8 shows a cover member of the receiver viewed from the back side. Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of the receiver.

The switch system according to the invention (see Fig. 1) comprises a battery-controlled switch-operating means 10, in the form of a transmitter, adapted to be fastened at an arbitrary operating height at largely arbitrary locations in a space 11 in point. The trans¬ mitter 10 is shown mounted on a suitable wall 11a in the said space 11, so that it is adjusted as to direction relative to the associated receivers 12. The transmitter is adapted to initiate a specific or different, specific illumination functions in the associated space 11 by the remote control of associated receivers 12.

The switch system further comprises a number of receivers 12 which are shown mounted on the wall 11a and on walls lib and lie and on the ceiling lid. The receivers 12 are adapted to be operated by remote control from the transmitter 10 by manually activation of the same, the transmitter 10 emitting infra red, coded control signals to the respective receiver. The receivers 12 can for example be mounted in connection with a specific lighting point 13 or in connection with a specific plug socket 14 or if desired in direct connection with a specific light source 15 or other electrically driven equipment (not shown further) . The receivers 12 are without a line connection to the transmitter 10, the switch function being controlled in a known manner by means of infra red control signals which are conveyed between transmitter and receiver.

The present invention relates to a further develop¬ ment of a known system, where the transmitter 10 according to the invention can actuate the different lighting points/plug sockets as desired and according to specific illumination functions or sequences of illumination functions, for example having time-determined illumination functions, that is to say having an illumination which varies over time or having varying light strength for different times. More specifically there can be carried out in known manner as desired an on/off function and/or in known manner a light dimming function by simple manual actuation of the transmitter (see Examples 1 and 2 below) . In addition such functions can be carried out according to the invention in a sequence at specific adjustable points of time.

For example by way of introduction a specific light source can be lighted and the light source allowed to be lighted at full strength over a first time period tl and thereafter over a second time period t2 there can be carried out a light dimming function in order finally to switch off the light source at a time point t3. By the use of short time periods the consumption of current can here¬ by be limited in a time-regulated, especially current- saving manner. Alternatively the illumination can be adjusted as required in a manner favourable in practice over a desired, specific space of time. The transmitter 10, as illustrated in Fig. 2-5, comprises a bottom member 16 and a cover member 17 which are fastened together by means of catch-forming, barb- carrying holding means 18a and 18b, which project verti¬ cally outwards from the bottom member 16 and form engage¬ ments with equivalent stops 19a, 19b on the inner side of the cover member 17. Between the holding means 18 there is fastened in a carrier plate 20 which carries a circuit board or a microcontroller 30 (for example on the rear side of the carrier plate 20) . Through the carrier plate 20 and the bottom member 16 extend screw holes 21 for fastening of the switch-operating means 10 to a base by means of screws. Alternatively the rear side surface of the bottom member 16 can be fastened for example to a base such as a glass surface or the like by means of adhesive or like fastening means in a manner not shown further. On the carrier plate 20 there is fastened between barb-carrying holding means 22 a 9 volt alkaline battery 23 having associated contact means 23a, 23b and leads 24 (see Fig. 5) to the circuit board and to the microcon¬ troller 30 on the rear side of the carrier plate 20 (see Fig. 3) . On the exposed front side of the carrier plate 20 there are mounted a light diode 25, an IR-exit 26, four transmitter diodes 26a-26d, three micro-switches 27a-27c, a control button 28 having for example fifteen address positions (1-9 and A-F) .

On the block diagram of Fig. 5 there is illustrated in particular the circuit board or the microcontroller 30 together with the storage unit (EEPROM) 31.

The cover member 17 (triple switch) in the illu¬ strated embodiment is equipped with three retiltable actuating buttons 32,33,34, which can be operated from the outer side of the cover member 17 and which separately on the under side physically actuate their respective micro- switches 27a-27c via a rod-shaped projection 35a,35b,35c, which are formed on the under side of a respective actuating button 32-34. Alternatively the cover member can be equipped with a single actuating button (single switch) or a pair of actuating buttons (double switch) for simul¬ taneous actuation of three microswitches during one or separate actuation of one and two microswitches via corre¬ spondingly formed projections (35a-35c) . The transmitter 10 according to the illustrated embodiment is based on a triple switch which has three actuating buttons 32-34 and which cooperate each with one of three equivalent micro- switches 27a-27c. With the cover member 17 removed the microswitches 27a-27c can be separately actuated manually and directly in the programming operations in question. With the cover member 17 fastened in place on the bottom member the microswitches 27a-27c can be actuated indirect- ly by means of a respective actuating button 32-34 and associated rod-shaped projection 35a-35c.

In a front, curved shield member 36, which consti¬ tutes a filter for the transmitter diodes 26a-26d, there is arranged a window 37 for the light diode 25 for visual indication of received code signals in connection with the emission of coded transmitter signals.

Consequently the microswitches 27a-27c, all according to how the actuating buttons 32-34 are designed and with the cover member 17 in place in the transmitter 10, can emit actuating signals to a number of receivers, that is to say all together for a number of lighting points, plug outlets, and the like or separately for the individual receivers.

With the cover member 17 removed from the bottom member 16 each individual receiver can be readily and reliably programmed according to the invention separately (or in groups) by first adjusting the regulating button 28 into an address position in question, and thereafter establishing a communication between transmitter 10 and receiver 12, in order thereafter to program by means of the microswitches 27a-27c of the transmitter 10 a time-set illumination function via the receiver 12. The switch system van be used for incandescent lamps, low voltage halogen lamps, fluorescent tubes and for low energy lamps. The two last mentioned can however not be used in connection with a light dimming function. A receiver 12, as shown in fig. 6-9, comprises a bottom member 40, which via screw holes 41 can be perma¬ nently screwed to a base. On the front side surface 40b of the bottom member 40 there is fastened a carrier plate 42, which is provided with a circuit board or a microcon- troller 51. Further the carrier plate 42 carries coupling clamps 43a-43d for coupling electrical leads to and from the lighting point, that is to say a lamp 15 as shown in Fig. 9, from and to for example a 230V electrical line system. Two clamps 43a,43b can be connected to leads to and from the lamp point 15 or a group of lamp points, while the remaining clamps 43c,43d can be connected to leads to and from the line system, if desired via plug outlets. A line cable 43, which includes the said leads, is as shown in Fig. 6, adapted to be drawn out via open- ings in weakened portions of the one side wall 40c of the bottom member 40. On the carrier plate 42 there is fastened a fuse holder 44 with associated fuse, which can be replaced sideways via an opening 45 in side wall 40c of the bottom member 40. Furthermore there is fastened on the carrier plate a manual on/off switch in the form of a microswitch 46, which also serves as preset-switch, a light diode 47, a triac 48, an infra red-receiver diode 49.

In Fig. 9 a microcontroller 51 and a storage unit (EEPROM) 52 are shown. A plate-formed metal screen (not shown) can be fastened with a screw to a support member 58 on the bottom member 40 in order to shield certain compo-. nents of the receiver.

By means of barb-carrying fastening arms 61 a cover member 60 is adapted to be snapped into engagement with equivalent stops 62 in the front edge of the bottom member 40, while the rear edge of the cover member 60 is provided with screw holes 63 for fastening the cover member via corresponding screw holes 41 to the bottom member 40. In the main surface 64 of the cover member there are formed air slots 65 and a cavity for a push button 67 for manual actuation of the switch 46. At the front edge of the cover member 60 there is formed a filter cover 68 having a window 69 for the light diode 47.

In order to establish communication between the transmitter 10 and the receiver 12 the microswitch 46 of the receiver 12 is actuated manually via the push button 67. With regulating button 28 of the transmitter 10 adjusted into a specific position of the said for example fifteen different address positions (1-9 and A-F) , a desired communication is established between transmitter 10 and a specific receiver 12.

With the microswitches 27a,27b,27c of the transmitter 10 and with microswitch 46 of the receiver 12 various functions can be carried out one after the other in a particularly simple and easy manner. With the micro- switches direct connection between transmitter and a specific receiver can be established. Furthermore specific functions can be programmed with the microswitches, including the on/off function, the time-control function for full light strength and/or dimmed light strength, and the adjustment of the light-dimming function, controlled in different sequences but carried out with one and the same microswitch. In addition the various receivers with their respective separate coded functions can be operated with the microswitches of the transmitter. The coded functions can represent remote controlled functions known per se as indicated in Examples 1 and 3 below or new functions as indicated in the Examples 2, 4 and 5 indi¬ cated below.

Example 1. Standard on/off function for an electrical switch in connection with a receiver 12, which is controlled by a transmitter 10. A-D Making ready of transmitter 10:

A. Cover member 17 of the transmitter 10 is removed for uncovering of operating button 28, and the like. An address is chosen (from the selection possibilities 1-9 and A-F) in the transmitter 10 by turning the operating button 28 to an associated specific address position.

B. Thereafter a microswitch 27a (or 27b or 27c), which is chosen to be employed for the selected address is pressed down and is held pressed down. C. Immediately the receipt signal is received, that is to say three flashes, of the light diode, the switch 27a is released.

D. Finally the switch 28 is brought back to the starting position (0-position) . The transmitter 10 is now made ready for programming in the 0-position of a first receiver 12 with a code for the on/off function. E-F Making ready of receiver 12 for programming:

E. Microswitch 46 Fig. 7 of a first receiver 12 (or 67 in Fig. 6) ) is pressed down and is held pressed down for five seconds.

F. Immediately light diode 47 Fig. 7 of the receiver 12 (or light diode 69 Fig. 6) lights, the switch 46 is released and a receipt signal is emitted from the light diode 47 with continuous flashing, which indicates that the receiver is in readiness for programming.

G-H Programming of receiver 12 via transmitter 10:

G. Microswitch 27a of the transmitter 10 is activated with a light pressure, whereby the receiver 12 is programmed with a corresponding coded signal by reading the signal which is emitted from the transmitter in the receiver. H. Light diode 25 of the receiver shifts from a flashing to a stable light, which indicates the receipt signal for terminating programming. Transmitter 10/receiver 12 are now ready for operation and cover member 17 of the transmitter 10 is set in place in the use position on the bottom member 16. I-J Operation of receiver 12 with operating button 28 of the transmitter 10 in the 0-position. I. The chosen microswitch 27a of the transmitter 10 is activated with a press via associated operating key 34 and the receiver 12 is activated thereby to the on- position. J. By subsequent activation of the operating key 34 the receiver 12 is activated to the off-position. Remaining receivers 12 can be separately programmed correspondingly as mentioned above on associated separate address controlled by operating button 28 and associated microswitches 27b and 27c respectively. The receivers can be operated separately via the transmitter by means of associated microswitches 27b and 27c respectively.

Example 2. Time switch function, that is to say receiver 12 is activated with an on-function and is automatically coupled to the off-function after a specific, programmed time interval has elapsed.

Making ready of transmitter 10: The transmitter 10 is made ready in a manner corresponding to the points A, B and D in Example 1, with the only difference in point C that a microswitch 27a is pressed down and is held pressed down until a receipt signal is received, that is to say three flashes plus a following five flashes (with a subsequent positioning of the operating button 28 back to the 0-position) . The trans- mitter 10 is now in readiness for programming of another receiver with a code for the on/off function having an intermediate time interval.

Making ready of receiver 12 for programming: The receiver 12 is made ready in a manner corresponding to the points E and F in Example 1. But after receiver 12 has received a first signal from transmitter 10 a time- calculating sequence starts, as indicated by means of a rapidly flashing signal in the diode of the receiver. Immediately microswitch 46 is activated anew (point F' ) with a press, the time-calculating sequence ( optional 0- 4800 seconds equivalent to 80 minutes) is broken. There is thereby received a receipt signal in the form of a continuous luminous signal and the receiver is programmed a specific time period between the on/off function.

Programming of receiver 12 from transmitter 10. The programming takes place correspondingly to point G in Example 1. The receiver is now in readiness for operation. Operation of receiver 12 via transmitter 10. The operation is corresponding to point I of Example 1, whereby the activation of the receiver is started in the on-position, while the programmed time controls the moment for automatic activation in the off-position.

Example 3. The dim-switch function, comprises an on/off function and a stepless up/down dimming, designed for regulating the light level. The same transmitter can be employed as in the Examples 1 and 2, but preferably with a special dim-switch cover with associated, specially marked actuat¬ ing buttons. In this Example the receiver is provided with extra dimming equipment (not shown further) , known per se. for the dimming function itself. Making ready of transmitter 10.

The transmitter is made ready correspondingly as in point A of Example 1 with the choice of address within the possibilities 1-9 and A-F, as mentioned above. Thereafter (point B' ) is activated (is pressed down) at the same time and all three micro-switches 27a,27b,27c are held pressed down until the receipt signal is received in the form of a long flash in diode 25 of the transmitter 10. Finally the operating button 28 is positioned back to the 0-position. The transmitter 10 is now made ready for programming of receiver 12 with a coded signal. Making ready of receiver 12 for programming: Making ready of receiver 12 takes place correspondingly as in the points E and F of Example 1. Programming/operation of receiver 12:

Microswitch 27a is employed for the dimming down function, switch 27b for the on/off function and switch 27c for the dimming up function. Immediately one of the micro-switches 27a-27c of the transmitter 10 is arbitrarily actuated, the receiver 12 is programmed with a coded signal for the dimming function. After the on-function is activated with switch 27b and the associated lamp lights, dimming-down can be regulated steplessly by actuating switch 27a as well as dimming-up with switch 27c, as required. Subsequent operation of receiver 12;

The operation takes place correspondingly as described just above with dimming as required, controlled from the transmitter 10.

Example 4. Super-dimming function, comprises an on/off function and an automatic time-regulated dimming down function after the light has been on at full strength a time- regulated time, the light being automatically dimmed down to a specific, optionally lower light level. Making ready of transmitter 10:

Transmitter 10 is made ready correspondingly as in Example 2. An address is chosen among the possibilities 1-9 (not the possibilities A-F) .

Making ready of receiver 12: Receiver 12 is made ready correspondingly as in Example 2 with the laying down of a specific time sequence. There¬ after the light level is adjusted in that micro-switch 46 of the receiver 12 is activated with pressure until a desired dimming down level is achieved. By new, subsequent activation of micro-switch 46 there can be effected an adjusting dimming-up as required. Programming of receiver 12 via transmitter 10: By activating one micro-switch 27a (27b or 27c) of the transmitter 10 the whole function is programmed including the chosen dimming level which was established on the making ready of the receiver. From the diode of the receiver there is received the receipt signal (long signal) for carrying out programming.

Operation of receiver 12 via transmitter 1: Corresponding operation as in points I (on-position) and J (off-position) of Example 1.

Example 5. Super-dimming function with automatic off-function, comprises an on-function and an automatic time-regulated dimming-down function after the light has come on at full strength a time-regulated time, the light being dimmed down automatically to a specific, optional lower light level and finally after a predetermined additional time interval of for example 10 minutes the off-f nction is automatically activated.

The making ready of transmitter and receiver plus the programming of receiver via transmitter, takes place in a manner corresponding to Example 4 with the only difference that an address is chosen from among one of the address possibilities A-F instead of from among the address possibilities 1-9. Within the addresses A-F there is programmed in advance a specific time interval of for example 10 minutes, which provides for the automatic off- function after the expiry of for example 10 minutes with the programmed dimmed light.

The micro-switch 46 can be manually activated with the usual on/off function.

With the micro-switch 46 in the on-position the micro-switch is used in addition as a set-switch for activating transmitter 10. In the off-position of the micro-switch 46 on the other hand the receiver 12, and thereby the lamp point or lamp points connected to the receiver, are disconnected from the line system and the receiver 12 is thereby inactivated relative to the transmitter 10.

Programming can be with three different types of transmitters each for its respective number of receivers. A single switch (transmitter) has a sole operating key designed for a sole receiver. A double switch (trans¬ mitter) has a pair of operating keys and is designed for use for two separate receivers. A triple switch (trans- mitter) has three operating keys and is designed for three separate receivers, which are to be programmed separately, or designed for the dimming operation with correspondingly three keys.

Without being described in detail here it is apparent that the time-controlled functions which are programmed in the various receivers can be programmed for alternating on- and off-positions for alternating moments of time, for example in time-determined series, for example for acti¬ vating specific, time-related functions for specific moments of time in the course of a day or over several days. An essential advantage according to the invention is that the user can program these time-related functions according to desire and need in a simple manner by simple means.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Switch system for remotely controlled electrical switches, where the system comprises a transmitter (10) and a number (one or more) receivers (12) , where the receiver (12) , and thereby its associated electrical switch, is controlled by an infra red signal emitted from the transmitter (10) , characterised in that each receiver (12) , in addition to an on/off function, is programmable with a number of time-controlled regulating functions and if necessary remaining functions, such as an automatic light-dimming function, each receiver (12) , plus the transmitter, being provided with its respective circuit board and with its associated microprocessor, for inter alia reception and emission of coded signals, that the transmitter (10) is provided with a regulating button (28) having a number of address positions for establishing a separate connection with a respective receiver (12) , the transmitter (10) being provided with first actuating means (micro-switches 27a-27c) designed to program a number of specific switch functions for a respective receiver (12) , and the transmitter (10) being provided with second actuating means (operating buttons 32-34) for initiating the specific switch function in the receiver (12) .

2. Switch system in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the transmitter (10) is provided with first actuating means (27a-27c) for programming specific switch functions in respective receivers (12) and with second actuating means (32-34) for operating one or more receivers (12) , the first actuating means (27a-27c) being arranged on a bottom member (16) internally in the transmitter (10) , while the second actuating means (32-34) are arranged on a cover member (17) externally on the transmitter (10) .

3. Switch system in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first (27a-27c) and second (32- 34) actuating means, with the transmitter (10) in a made ready operating condition, that is to say with a cover member (17) fastened in place on an associated bottom member (16) , are physically connected to each other, so that in the operating condition of the transmitter (10) the first actuating means (27a-27c) can be actuated by means of the second actuating means (32-34) .

4. Switch system in accordance with one of the claims 1-3, characterised in that each receiver (12) is provided with a manually activatable press button (67) for separately readjusting the receiver from a first position (off-position) in order to prevent remote operation of the switch function of the receiver (12) to a second position (on-position) for remote programming and remote operation of the switch function of the receiver (12) respectively.

5. Switch system in accordance with one of the claims 1-4, characterised in that each receiver (12) plus the transmitter (10) is provided with its respective light diode (25 and 47 respectively) for respectively indicating an operating signal and receipt signal for emitting a coded control signal.

6. Process for programming an operating a switch system for one or more remotely controlled electrical switches in connection with a receiver (12) , where a transmitter (10) controls by means of a coded infra red signal one or more receivers (12) inter alia to and from an on- and off- position, characterised in that programm¬ ing of the receiver (12) , or the receivers (12) separate- ly, is effected by time-adapted activation of one or more actuating means (27a,27b,27c ; 32-34) of the transmitter (10), the programming taking place with an operating button (28) of the transmitter (10) adjusted into a chosen one of a number of possible positions (1-9 and A-F) , and that subsequent operation of the receiver or receivers is effected by activation of said actuating means (27a,27b, 27c; 32-34) of the transmitter (10) , the operation taking place with the operating button (28) in a specific remain¬ ing position (0-position) .

7. Process in accordance with claim 6, characterised in that a first programming, such as on-/off-function, is effected on actuating means (27a,27b,27c) of the trans¬ mitter (10) as a response to a time-defined first acti¬ vating time, and that additional programming, such as a time-regulated function after the effected on-function, is effected on the actuating means (27a,27b,27c) of the transmitter (10) , as a response to an extra, second activating time.

8. Process in accordance with claim 7, characterised in that there is programmed via actuating means (27a,27b,

27c) of the transmitter (10) a specific time interval in connection with the additional programming by equivalent time-controlled activation of said actuating means (27a- 27c) .

9. Process in accordance with one of the claims 6-8, characterised in that an advance programmed time interval is connected to the choice of specific addresses (A-F) in the possible address positions (1-9 and A-F) of the operating button (28) .

10. Process in accordance with one of the claims 6- 9, characterised in that a specific function program, such as a remotely controlled light dimming function, is established by simultaneous actuation of two or more of actuating means (27a-27c) of the transmitter (10) .