CN106062910B - Switchgear and load control system - Google Patents

Abstract

A switch device, comprising: a first operation switch (201A, 201B) outputting a first operation signal; a second operation switch (202A, 202B) outputting a second operation signal; a signal transmission unit (55); a control unit (5 ) and switching elements (50). A control unit (5) selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and operates according to the selected operation mode. When the first operation mode (second operation mode) is selected, the control unit (5) switches the switching element (50) to ON or OFF according to the first operation signal (second operation signal), and according to the second operation signal ( The first operation signal) causes the signal transmission unit (55) to send a control signal, and when the signal transmission unit (55) receives a control signal from another switching device, switches the switching element (50) to ON or according to the received control signal OFF.

Description

Switchgear and load control systems

technical field

The present disclosure relates to a switchgear for connecting or disconnecting a power supply from a power source to a load or the like, and more particularly to a load control system for controlling a load using the switchgear.

Background technique

The operation unit included in the lighting device disclosed in Patent Document (PTL) 1 is described as a conventional example. This conventional example (operation unit) includes: a first switch unit that outputs an instruction to turn on and off a light source; a second switch unit that outputs a reset instruction for the light source; an attachment panel; and an attachment. The first switching unit comprises a so-called mechanical switch. On the other hand, the second switch unit includes a touch switch (touch panel). The first switch unit and the second switch unit are attached to the attachment panel. Still further, the attachment panel is attached to the wall using an attachment.

The conventional example disclosed in PTL1 is constructed so that when the first switch unit is operated, the load (light source of the lamp) is switched from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON, and when the second switch unit is operated, the brightness of the load (dimming level) changes.

reference list

patent documents

PTL1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-26073

Contents of the invention

technical problem

There are cases where two signal devices are connected by a signal line, and each switching device is capable of controlling not only a directly connected load but also a load directly connected to the other switching device by sending a control signal to the other switching device via a signal line. load.

In this case, each of the switching devices includes a first operating switch for connecting or disconnecting a load directly connected thereto, and a second switch for transmitting a control signal.

However, the first operating switch and the second operating switch have a fixed positioning relative to the housing of the switchgear. For example, when the first operation switch and the second operation switch are arranged in vertical alignment in the front surface of the casing, operating the first operation switch arranged at the same position (for example, an upper side position) in each of the switch devices, Controls a completely different load, so not very user friendly.

The present disclosure proposes a solution to the above-mentioned problems and has as an object to provide a switchgear and a load control system with improved user-friendliness.

problem solution

A switchgear according to an aspect of the present invention is a switchgear for connecting or disconnecting power supply from an external power source to or from a load, and includes: a first operation switch that receives a human's operation and outputs a first operation a signal; a second operation switch which receives a human operation and outputs a second operation signal; a signal transmission unit configured to transmit and receive a transmission signal; and a control unit. In addition, the switchgear includes: a switch element that connects or disconnects power supply from an external power source to or from the load; and a case that accommodates the first operation switch, the second operation switch, the signal transmission unit, the control unit, and the switch element. The control unit is configured to select one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and to operate according to the selected one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode. When the first operation mode is selected, the control unit is configured to: switch the switching element to ON or OFF according to the first operation signal; cause the signal transmission unit to send a control signal according to the second operation signal; When a control signal of a switching device is received, the switching element is switched ON or OFF according to the received control signal. When the second operation mode is selected, the control unit is configured to: switch the switching element to ON or OFF according to the second operation signal; cause the signal transmission unit to send a control signal according to the first operation signal; When a control signal of a switching device is received, the switching element is switched ON or OFF according to the received control signal.

A load control system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of switchgears. Each of the plurality of switching devices is connected to a corresponding one of the external power source and the load via a power supply line, and is connected to each other via a signal line.

Beneficial Effects of the Invention

In the switchgear and load control system according to the present disclosure, the control unit is configured to select one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and to operate according to the selected operation mode. Therefore, it is possible to comply with the correspondence between the first operating switch and the second operating switch of the two switching devices and the two lighting loads. Therefore, the switchgear and load control system according to the present disclosure yields the beneficial effect of increased user-friendliness.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the attachment of the switchgear to an attachment frame.

Fig. 2 is a circuit structure diagram of a switchgear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded view from the front of a switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a switchgear seen from behind according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a front view of a switch main body of a switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a switch main body and an operation unit of a switchgear in a separated state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a front view of a switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a system configuration diagram of a load control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, a switchgear and a load control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show a specific preferred example of the present invention. Therefore, numerical values, shapes, materials, structural components, arrangement and connection of structural components, etc. shown in the following exemplary embodiments are merely examples, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. Still further, among the structural components of the following exemplary embodiments, a component not recited in any of the independent claims representing the broadest concept of the present invention is described as an arbitrary structural component.

Furthermore, the various figures are schematic views and are not necessarily precise illustrations. In addition, in the respective figures, the same structural components are given the same reference numerals.

A switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a switchgear according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the attachment of the switchgear to an attachment frame.

The switchgear according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as a switchgear) is a switchgear for connecting or disconnecting a power supply from an external power source to or from a lighting load, and includes a case including Housing 22 and housing 10 . The case accommodates a first operation switch, a second operation switch, a signal transmission unit 55 , a control unit 5 and a switch element 50 described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the switchgear is attached to the attachment frame 9, and is arranged to be recessed in the wall by inserting the rear end portion of the switchgear into an insertion hole provided in the wall. It should be noted that in the subsequent description In , unless otherwise specified, the forward, backward, left, right, upward, and downward directions are as defined in FIGS. 1 and 3 described below. Specifically, the direction in which the switchgear is embedded in the insertion hole provided in the wall is the rearward direction (rear), and the direction opposite to the rearward direction is the forward direction (front). The upward-downward direction is the lengthwise direction of the attachment frame 9 . The left-right direction is the width direction of the attachment frame 9 .

First, the circuit configuration of the switching device will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the switching device according to this embodiment. The switchgear includes a switch body 1 and an operation unit 2 .

The operation unit 2 includes a touch sensor 20, a light emitting unit 21, a second connector 28, a sound output unit 29, and the like.

The touch sensor 20 is configured by forming a plurality of electrodes on the surface of a sensor board 26 described below. Further, the touch sensor 20 includes: a first operation switch (first operation switch 201A or 201B described below) that receives a human operation and outputs a first operation signal; and a second operation switch (second operation switch 201B described below) switch 202A or 202B), which receives a human operation and outputs a second operation signal. The touch sensor 20 includes a sensor circuit (not shown). The sensor circuit indirectly and individually measures the capacitance developed between the electrodes and ground. Specifically, the sensor indirectly and individually measures (i) a capacitance generated between an electrode corresponding to the first operation switch and ground, and (ii) a capacitance generated between an electrode corresponding to the second operation switch and the ground. In addition, when the change of the measured value of capacitance exceeds a threshold value, the sensor circuit judges that a person's body (especially a hand or a finger) has approached each electrode, that is, a touch operation has been performed. In other words, the first and second operation switches are configured as touch switches that detect human operations. Then, the sensor circuit (touch sensor 20 ) outputs an operation signal indicating a touch operation to the outside. It should be noted that an area where a touch operation can be detected with each electrode is referred to as an operation area.

The light emitting unit 21 displays the position of the switchgear to the user by emitting light. The light emitting unit 21 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 200 described below, and a driving circuit (not shown) that individually drives the respective LEDs 200 . The light emitting unit 21 is installed on the rear surface of the sensor board 26 and emits light forward via the sensor board 26 .

When the operator operates the switch device, the sound output unit 29 outputs an operation sound to indicate to the operator that the operation is received. The sound output unit 29 includes a sound generating part (such as a piezoelectric film, a piezoelectric buzzer, a piezoelectric sounder, a piezoelectric bell, etc.) 290 that uses a piezoelectric element; and a drive circuit that drives the sound generating part 290 (not shown).

The second connector 28 is a connector for transmitting power and signals between the operation unit 2 and the switch main body 1 . The second connector 28 has a total of eight contacts. Two of the eight contacts are contacts for supplying power to the touch sensor 20 , the light emitting unit 21 , and the sound output unit 29 . Further, two of the remaining six contacts are contacts for transmitting the operation signal output from the touch sensor 20 to the switch main body 1 . In addition, two of the remaining four contacts are contacts for transmitting a control signal from the switch main body 1 to the light emitting unit 21 . The two remaining contacts are contacts for transmitting control signals from the switch body 1 to the sound output unit 29 .

As shown in Figure 2, the switch main body 1 includes a switch element 50, a power supply circuit 51, a setting unit 52, a memory 53, a wireless communication unit 54, a signal transmission unit 55, a first connector 56, a power supply terminal 6, a load terminal 7, a signal Terminal 8 etc.

The power supply circuit 51 generates direct current (DC) power for driving the control unit 5, the touch sensor 20, the light emitting unit 21, the sound output unit 29, and the like. The power supply circuit 51 is connected to an alternating current (AC) power source 3 via one of the power supply terminals 6 and one of the load terminals 7 . Further, the power supply circuit 51 converts the AC power supplied from the AC power source 3 into DC power, and supplies the DC power and the like to the control unit 5 . It should be noted that the power supply circuit 51 may include an AC/DC converter and a three-terminal voltage regulator. Still further, two power supply terminals 6 are electrically connected and used as supply wiring.

The switching element 50 connects or disconnects the power supply from the external power source (AC power source 3 ) to or from the load. The switching element 50 is connected in series to the AC power source 3 and the load (lighting load 4 ) via the power supply terminal 6 and one load terminal 7 (the load terminal 7 not connected to the power supply circuit 51 ). For example, switching element 50 may comprise a Triac (referred to as a TRIAC). In other words, AC power is supplied from the AC power source 3 to the lighting load 4 via the switching element 50 only when the switching element 50 is switched ON.

The setting unit 52 includes a plurality of switches for setting, and various settings are performed when the switches included in the setting unit 52 are operated. For example, the setting unit 52 includes a push button switch 520 , a DIP switch 521 and the like described below. The DIP switch 521 is a selection switch for selecting one of the state indicating the first operation mode and the state indicating the second operation mode.

The control unit 5 selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and operates according to the selected operation mode. The control unit 5 having selected the first operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the first operation signal, and causes the signal transmission unit 55 to transmit a control signal according to the second operation signal. Further, when the signal transmission unit 55 receives a control signal transmitted from another switching device, the control unit 5 having selected the first operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the control signal. On the other hand, the control unit 5 having selected the second operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the second operation signal, and causes the signal transmission unit 55 to transmit a control signal according to the first operation signal. Further, when the signal transmission unit 55 receives a control signal transmitted from another switching device, the control unit 5 having selected the second operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the control signal. The control unit 5 is composed of a microcontroller, for example, and performs the operations described above. Furthermore, the control unit 5 selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to the state of the selection switch, and operates according to the selected operation mode.

The memory 53 is composed of an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, and various types of data are read from or written to the memory 53 by the control unit 5 .

The wireless communication unit 54 includes an antenna, a receiving circuit, etc. (not shown), and is configured to receive a radio signal transmitted via radio waves, and relay data included in the received radio signal to the control unit 5 .

The signal transmission unit 55 transmits and receives a signal (control signal) with another switching device via a signal line (not shown) connected to a pair of signal terminals 8 . Specifically, based on an instruction from the control unit 5, the signal transmission unit 55 transmits a control signal composed of, for example, a voltage signal to another switching device via a signal line. Further, the signal transmission unit 55 receives a control signal transmitted from another switching device via a signal line, and outputs the received control signal to the control unit 5 .

The first connector 56 is a connector for transmitting power and signals between the switch main body 1 and the operation unit 2 . The first connector 56 has a total of eight contacts. Two of the eight contacts are contacts for supplying DC power generated by the power supply circuit 51 to the touch sensor 20 , the light emitting unit 21 , and the sound output unit 29 . Still further, two of the remaining six contacts are contacts for transmitting an operation signal output from the touch sensor 20 to the control unit 5 . Furthermore, two of the remaining four contacts are contacts for transmitting control signals from the control unit 5 to the light emitting unit 21 . Further, the remaining two contacts are contacts for transmitting control signals from the control unit 5 to the sound output unit 29 . The first connector 56 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second connector 28 in an insertable/removable manner. In other words, the respective contacts of the first connector 56 and the respective contacts of the second connector 28 are electrically connected one-to-one.

Then, the structure of the switchgear will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 .

The operation unit 2 includes a case 22, an adhesive sheet 25, a sensor board 26, screws 27, a second connector 28, and the like. The housing 22 is formed into a flat rectangular box shape by a base 23 and a panel 24 .

The base 23 is configured by integrally forming the bottom wall 230 and the peripheral wall 231 from a light-impermeable synthetic resin material (for example, thermoplastic resin such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABC) resin). Here, the bottom wall 230 is rectangular, and the peripheral wall 231 is shaped like a rectangular frame protruding forward from the periphery of the bottom wall 230 . Furthermore, four platforms 232 protruding forward from the bottom wall 230 are provided on left and right edges of the bottom wall 230 . It should be noted that a space surrounded by the bottom wall 230 and the peripheral wall 231 is called an accommodation space.

For example, the sensor board 26 includes an insulating board such as a glass/epoxy board. A plurality of electrodes (not shown) are formed on the front surface of the sensor board 26 . These electrodes are formed by sputtering or wet coating (coating) to form a thin film of conductive material such as copper foil on the front surface of the sensor board 26 . Further, as shown in FIG. 4 , a sensor circuit (not shown), a sound generating part 290 , an LED 200 , a second connector 28 and the like are mounted on the rear surface of the sensor board 26 .

Five circular holes 260 are vertically aligned in the horizontal center of the sensor board 26 . The five circular holes 260 pass through the sensor board 26 and allow forward passage of light emitted from a plurality (five in the illustrated example) of LEDs 200 mounted on the rear surface of the sensor board 26 (see FIG. 5 ).

In addition, circular screw insertion holes pass through the four corners and left and right edges of the sensor board 26 . It should be noted that two rectangular recesses 262 on each side are provided on the left and right edges of the sensor board 26 .

The second connector 28 includes eight contacts 280 and two insulators (a first insulator 281 and a second insulator 282), each of which electrically insulates the eight contacts 280 and supports the eight contacts 280 ( See Figure 4). Each contact 280 is formed into a rod shape from a conductive material such as copper or copper alloy. The first insulator 281 is formed in the shape of a cuboid from an electrical insulating material such as synthetic resin, and supports the respective contacts 280 at a front position by insert-molding the eight contacts 280 in the first insulator 281 . Also, the second insulator 282 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape from an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin, and supports each contact 280 near the center by insert-molding the eight contacts 280 in the second insulator 282 (see FIGS. Image 6). It should be noted that the eight contacts 280 are supported by the first insulator 281 and the second insulator 282 to be arranged in two rows of four contacts 280 each.

Further, the four contacts 280 in the upper row are bent upwards at a portion further forward than the first insulator 281 . On the other hand, the portion of the four contacts 280 in the lower row that is further forward than the first insulator 281 is bent downward (see FIG. 6 ). In addition, the second connector 28 is mounted on the sensor board 26 by soldering bent portions (contact terminal portions) of the respective contacts 280 to the rear surface of the sensor board 26 (see FIG. 4 ), so that the eight contacts 280 are The rear surface of the sensor board 26 protrudes rearward.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the sensor board 26 is housed in the accommodation space of the base 23 and screwed to the bottom wall 230 of the base 23 with six screws 27 inserted into six threaded insertion holes 261 from the front. It should be noted that the platform 232 provided in the bottom wall 230 of the base 23 is inserted into the recess 262 of the sensor board 26 .

The panel 24 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate from a light-transmitting synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate. However, the panel 24 may be provided with a relatively high light-diffusing characteristic by mixing a light-diffusing material, roughness processing, screen printing, or the like.

In addition, the panel 24 is attached to the front surface of the platform 232 and the front surface of the sensor board 26 using a light-transmitting adhesive sheet 25 (see FIG. 5 ).

Here, the insertion hole 233 into which the second connector 28 is inserted passes through the bottom wall 230 of the base 23 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In other words, the contacts 280 of the second connector 28 protrude rearward from the bottom wall 230 through the insertion holes 233 . It should be noted that a pair of protective walls 235 for protecting the second connector 28 are provided in the bottom wall 230 of the base 23 projecting backward (see FIG. 4 ). The protective wall 235 is shaped like a rectangular plate, and is integrally formed with the bottom wall 230 to sandwich the insertion hole 233 from upward and downward directions at the rear surface of the base 23 . In other words, the eight contacts 280 protruding from the bottom wall 230 are arranged between the pair of protective walls 235 (see FIG. 6 ).

Meanwhile, along the insertion/removal direction (front-rear direction) of the first connector 56 , the bottom wall 230 includes a restriction member (second restriction member) 234 that restricts movement of the second connector 28 . The second restricting part 234 is formed by the inner surfaces of the left and right edges of the insertion hole 233 to protrude parallel to the rear surface of the bottom wall 230 (see FIGS. 3 and 5 ). In other words, in a state where the second connector 28 is inserted through the insertion hole 233 , the second restricting member 234 opposes the left and right ends of the first insulator 281 in the front-rear direction. In addition, a protrusion 2340 protruding forward is integrally provided to the second restricting part 234 . The protrusion 2340 abuts against the rear surface of the first insulator 281 (see FIG. 5 ).

Further, each attachment 220 is formed at the vertical center of the left and right edges of the rear surface of the bottom wall 230 (see FIG. 4 ). These attachments 220 are formed protruding rearward from the rear surface of the bottom wall 230 . Still further, for example, claws composed of protrusions are integrally provided at the distal end (rear edge) of each of the attachment pieces 220 .

The switch main body 1 includes a casing 10 and a circuit block. The casing 10 includes, for example, a main body 11 and a cover 12 . The circuit block constitutes a circuit as shown in FIG. 2 .

The circuit block includes a control board 13, a power supply board 14, a splitter 15, and the like. Both the power supply board 14 and the control board 13 are constructed by printing wiring conductors (copper foil) on the front and rear surfaces of insulating boards such as glass/epoxy boards.

Circuits and circuit elements to which a relatively high voltage is applied, that is, a power supply circuit 51 , switching elements 50 and the like are mounted on the power supply board 14 . The switching element 50 is mounted on the rear surface of the power supply board 14 together with a heat dissipation plate 57 made of, for example, a metal plate. It should be noted that terminal boards 60 , 70 , and 80 respectively constituting the power supply terminal 6 , load terminal 7 , and signal terminal 8 are also mounted on the rear surface of the power supply board 14 described below (see FIG. 4 ).

Further, circuits and circuit elements to which a relatively low voltage is applied, ie, the control unit 5 , the memory 53 , the wireless communication unit 54 , the signal transmission unit 55 , etc., are mounted on the control board 13 . It should be noted that the first connector 56, the push button switch 520 and the DIP switch 521 of the setting unit 52, the light emitting element (LED) 522, etc., are mounted on the front surface of the control board 13 (see FIG. 3).

In addition, connectors 131 and 140 are mounted on the front surface of the power supply board 14 and the rear surface of the control board 13, respectively (see FIG. 5). Specifically, connecting the connector 131 mounted on the rear surface of the control board 13 and the connector 140 mounted on the front surface of the power supply board 14 causes the two boards 13 and 14 to be electrically and mechanically connected. It should be noted that the separator 15 is sandwiched between the rear surface of the control board 13 and the front surface of the power supply board 14 . The separator 15 is formed in the shape of a rectangular sheet from an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. In other words, the interlayer separator 15 ensures an insulating distance between the control board 13 and the power supply board 14 .

The main body 11 is composed of synthetic resin molded into a rectangular box shape opened forward. The cover 12 is composed of synthetic resin molded into a rectangular box shape opened rearward. Stakes 110 are formed at both left and right ends of the top and bottom surfaces of the main body 11 . Tabs 120 in the shape of a rectangular plate and protruding rearward are formed from both left and right ends of the trailing edges of the top and bottom sides of the cover 12 . Further, a rectangular hole 1200 is punched in each tab 120 .

Specifically, when the cover 12 is placed on the main body 11 from the front of the main body 11 , the main body 11 and the cover 12 are coupled, and the stakes 110 are fitted into the respective holes 1200 of the tabs 120 . Thus, the cuboid-shaped housing 10 is assembled (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ). It should be noted that the circuit block is housed within the housing 10 .

The main body 11 is provided with: a first terminal accommodating portion 111 accommodating two power supply terminals 6 ; a second terminal accommodating portion 112 accommodating two load terminals 7 ; and a third terminal accommodating portion 113 accommodating two signal terminals 8 .

Each of the first terminal accommodating part 111 and the second terminal accommodating part 112 has a space surrounded by three partitions 1110-1112 and a bottom wall. The partition 1110 is formed to protrude forward from the bottom wall, parallel to the left side wall of the main body 11 . The partition 1111 is formed to protrude forward from the bottom wall, parallel to the bottom sidewall of the main body 11 and connected to the top end of the partition 1110 . The partition 1112 is formed to protrude forward from the bottom wall, parallel to the bottom sidewall of the main body 11 and connected with the vertical central portion of the partition 1110 .

The third terminal accommodating part 113 has a space surrounded by two partitions 1130 and 1131 and a bottom wall. The partition 1130 is formed to protrude forward from the bottom wall parallel to the right side wall of the main body 11 . The partition 1131 is formed to protrude forward from the bottom wall, parallel to the bottom sidewall of the main body 11 and connected to the top end of the partition 1130 .

Further, the first to third terminal accommodating parts 111 to 113 are divided into two regions by protruding parts 1113, 1120 and 1132 protruding from the partitions 1110 and 1130, respectively. In the first terminal accommodating portion 111, a set of terminal boards 60 and lock springs 61 are accommodated in each of two regions, and a single release button 62 is accommodated in a position not separated by the protruding portion 1113 (see FIG. 6). Further, in the second terminal accommodating portion 112, a group of terminal boards 70 and lock springs 71 are accommodated in each of the two regions, and a single release button 72 is accommodated in a position not separated by the protruding portion 1120 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, in the third terminal accommodating portion 113 , a set of terminal boards 80 and a lock spring 81 are accommodated in each of two regions, and a single release button 82 is accommodated at a position not separated by the protruding portion 1132 . It should be noted that two power cord insertion holes 1114 and a single tool insertion hole 1115 pass through the bottom wall of the first terminal accommodating portion 111; bottom wall; and two power cord insertion holes 1133 and a single tool insertion hole 1134 pass through the bottom wall of the third terminal accommodating portion 113 . Here, a core wire (conductor) of a power cord is inserted into each of the protruding portions 1132 , 1121 , and 1133 .

The terminal boards 60, 70, and 80 are formed of a conductor such as copper or copper alloy into the shape of a rectangular slot. Further, the terminal boards 60 , 70 , and 80 are mounted on the rear surface by soldering one end to the rear surface of the power supply board 14 .

A center piece, a pressing piece, and a locking piece are integrally formed in each of the locking springs 61 , 71 , and 81 . The central piece abuts against one of the corresponding ones of the terminal boards 60, 70, and 80; the pressing piece extends from one end of the central piece in an S shape; and the locking piece extends from the other end of the central piece in a J shape. Then, when the conductors of the power cord are respectively inserted through the power cord insertion holes 1114, 1121, and 1133, between the other side pieces of the terminal boards 60, 70, and 80 and the respective pressing pieces and locking pieces, the pressing pieces will move toward the corresponding terminals. The plate presses against the conductor, and the end of the lock rests against the conductor, preventing retraction of the cord. Further, when the power cord is removed, the release buttons 62, 72, and 82 are moved by inserting a tool (a flathead screwdriver, etc.) into the tool insertion holes 1115, 1122, and 1134, respectively, causing the release buttons to press against the locking member, so that the locking The end of the piece separates from the conductor, allowing the power cord to retract. A terminal having such a structure is called a quick-connect terminal (or a screwless terminal) and is conventionally known, and thus detailed description is omitted.

Furthermore, the side walls on the upper and lower sides of the main body 11 are integrally provided with support members 114 protruding forward from the side walls (see FIG. 3 ). Each of the supports 114 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, and a rectangular recess 1140 is provided at the front end.

The foregoing circuit blocks are contained in the main body 11 in such a manner that the terminal boards 60 , 70 , and 80 mounted on the rear surface of the power supply board 14 are housed in the first to third terminal accommodating portions 111 to 113 , respectively. Here, rectangular protrusions 130 are provided in the top and bottom edges of the control board 13 . Specifically, the mutual cooperation of the protruding portion 130 and the recess 1140 of each support 114 of the main body 11 positions the circuit block relative to the main body 11 .

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of operating members 121, a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of window holes 122 and 123, a single insertion hole 124, a plurality of pairs (in the illustrated example) Three pairs in the example) attachment claws 125 , release pieces 126 , etc. are provided in the cover 12 .

Each of the operation members 121 includes: a circular operation button 1210; a support member 1211 shaped into a rectangular plate and integrally formed with the cover 12 in such a manner that only the support portion 1211 is cut from the front wall of the cover 12 The bottom end portion of the cap remains attached to the cover 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ). It should be noted that the bottom end portion of the support portion 1211 is formed in a U shape (see FIG. 4 ). In other words, the operating piece 121 is formed to allow swinging in the front-rear direction by flexure of the bottom end portion of the support portion 1211 . Then, since the operation piece 121 is flexed backward when the operation button 1210 is operated by pressing, the button corresponding to the button switch 520 mounted on the control board 13 is pressed by the operation button 1210, and the button switch 520 is switched ON.

A window 122 on the top side is provided in the front wall of the cover 12 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The window hole 122 exposes the operation surface (front surface) of the DIP switch 521 mounted on the front surface of the control board 13 to the outside of the housing 10 . In other words, the operation switch 5210 of the DIP switch 521 can be operated via the window hole 122 with the tip of a screwdriver or the tip of a pen.

The window hole 123 on the bottom side is formed in the shape of a truncated cone as shown in FIG. 4 and is provided in the front wall of the cover 12 . The window hole 123 is configured in such a way that the light emitted from the light emitting element 522 mounted on the front surface of the control board 13 is emitted to the outside of the housing 10 . In other words, the light emitted by the light emitting element 522 is visible from the front of the housing 10 through the window hole 123 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the insertion hole 124 is formed in the shape of a rectangular pipe longer horizontally than vertically, and the first connector 56 mounted on the front surface of the control board 13 is inserted through the insertion hole 124 from behind. Further, along the insertion/removal direction (front-rear direction) of the second connector 28, the insertion hole 124 includes a restricting member (first restricting member) 127 (see FIG. 7) that restricts movement of the first connector 56. . The first restricting part 127 is formed by the inner surfaces of the left and right edges of the insertion hole 124 so as to protrude parallel to the front surface of the cover 12 (see FIGS. 5 and 7 ). In other words, the first restricting member 127 opposes both left and right ends of the first connector 56 in the front-rear direction. In addition, a projection 1270 protruding rearward is integrally provided to the first restricting member 127 . In addition, the protrusion 1270 abuts against the front surface of the first connector 56 (see FIG. 5 ).

Two pairs of the three pairs of attachment claws 125 are provided near the top and bottom ends of the left side of the cover 12 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ). Still further, the remaining pair of attachment claws 125 are provided in a release piece 126 provided on the right side face of the cover 12 (see FIG. 3 ). The release piece 126 is formed to allow flexing in the left-right direction with respect to the right side wall of the cover 12 . In other words, the housing 10 is attached to the attachment frame 9 using three pairs of attachment claws 125 .

The attachment frame 9 is formed of a synthetic resin material into the shape of a rectangular frame including a window hole 90 for attachment. The attachment frame 9 includes a pair of vertical pieces 91 in the lengthwise direction (up-down direction) and a pair of horizontal pieces 92 connecting both ends of the pair of vertical pieces 91 (see FIG. 1 ). In other words, the space surrounded by the pair of vertical pieces 91 and the pair of horizontal pieces 92 becomes the window hole 90 .

The pair of vertical members 91 is provided with a plurality of (eight each in the illustrated example) attachment holes 93 . Three pairs of attachment claws 125 are inserted and hooked onto the attachment holes 93 . Specifically, by inserting each pair of the pair of attachment claws 125 into a corresponding pair of the pair of attachment holes 93, the switch main body 1 is attached to the attachment frame 9 with the front end portion of the housing 10 inserted through the window hole 90. (See Figure 1 and Figure 5).

Further, a threaded insertion hole 920 through which a cartridge screw (not shown) is inserted passes through each of the pair of horizontal pieces 92 at the center in the length direction (left-right direction). In addition, a screw hole 921 is provided in each of the pair of horizontal pieces 92 at the center in the length direction and a screw insertion hole 920 outward. However, the pair of horizontal members 92 is configured to protrude forward from both lengthwise ends of the corresponding vertical members 91 (see FIG. 1 ).

The attachment frame 9 is attached to a switch box (not shown) recessed in the wall in such a way that, for example, the pair of horizontal pieces 92 touch the outer periphery of an insertion hole provided in the wall. Specifically, two bolts (not shown) inserted through the threaded insertion holes 920 of the corresponding horizontal pieces 92 are quickly screwed into the threaded holes of the switch box. However, in case the switch box is not recessed, the attachment frame 9 is secured to a wall panel (not shown) using conventionally known clip fittings.

Further, end portions on the left and right sides of the front wall of the cover 12 are formed in a stepped shape. In addition, recesses 128 are formed at approximately the vertical centers of the respective ends (see FIGS. 3 and 8 ). Specifically, the operation unit 2 is removably mounted on the switch main body 1 by hooking the claws 221 of the two attachments 220 provided in the housing 22 to the front end edges of the two recesses 128 (see FIG. 1 and Figure 9).

Here, when the operation unit 2 is mounted on the switch body 1, the second connector 28 of the operation unit 2 and the first connector 56 of the switch body 1 are electrically and mechanically connected. In other words, the eight contacts 280 of the second connector 28 are independently inserted into the eight insertion ports 560 opened in the front surface of the first connector 56, and are independently electrically connected to the contacts provided in the first connector 56. Eight contacts (see Figure 7). Further, the pair of protective walls 235 provided in the casing (base 23 ) of the operation unit 2 are inserted into the insertion holes 124 provided in the case 10 (cover 12 ) of the switch main body 1 (see FIG. 6 ). Therefore, even when an external force such as an impact force is applied to the operation unit 2, because of the protection of the pair of protective walls 235, the external force is not easily applied to the first connector 56 and the second connector 28, and thus can be prevented from being applied to the operation unit 28. Damage to the second connector 28 and the first connector 56 and the like.

Then, the operation of the switching device according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10 .

Fig. 10 is a system configuration diagram of a load control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the system configuration of the system (load control system) in FIG. 10 will be briefly described.

The system includes a plurality of switchgears. Each of the switching devices is connected to an AC power source 3 and a lighting load 4 via a power line 100 . The switching devices are connected to each other via signal lines 101 . In this embodiment, the system comprises, for example: two switchgears SA and SB, two lighting loads 4A and 4B, and two emitters WA and WB. It should be noted that the switching device according to this embodiment is used in two switching devices SA and SB. However, this system configuration is only one example of a system configuration for controlling loads using the switching devices SA and SB according to this embodiment.

In one switching device SA (hereinafter also referred to as a first switching device SA), an AC power source 3 and a lighting load 4A (hereinafter also referred to as a first lighting load 4A) are electrically connected via a power line 100 . In another switching device SB (hereinafter also referred to as a second switching device SB), an AC power source 3 and a lighting load 4B (hereinafter also referred to as a second lighting load 4B) are electrically connected via a power line 100 . Furthermore, the first switching device SA and the second switching device SB are electrically connected via a signal line 101 .

A transmitter WA (hereinafter also referred to as first transmitter WA) transmits radio signals registered in the first switching device SA to the first switching device SA, the radio signals being transmitted via radio waves. Another transmitter WB (hereinafter also referred to as second transmitter WB) transmits to the second switching device SB a radio signal registered in the second switching device SB, which radio signal is transmitted via radio waves. It should be noted that the radio signals sent from each of the transmitters WA and WB include: control data for controlling (turning on, off, or dimming) a corresponding one of the lighting loads 4A and 4B; Unique identification information for transmitters WA and WB.

Here, the operating unit 2 of the first switching device SA includes two vertically aligned operating areas: a first operating area 201A serving as a first operating switch; and a second operating area 202A serving as a second operating switch. Further, the operation unit 2 of the second switching device SB includes two vertically aligned operation areas: a first operation area 201B used as a first operation switch; and a second operation area 202B used as a second operation switch. For example, in the first switch device SA, when the upper operation area (first operation area 201A) is touched, the operation unit 2 outputs a first operation signal indicating the touch operation on the first operation area 201A. In the switch main body 1 of the first switch device SA, the control unit 5 receiving the first operation signal switches on (or off) the first lighting load 4A by switching the switch element 50 ON (or OFF).

In the same manner, in the second switch device SB, when the upper operation area (first operation area 201B) is touched, the operation unit 2 outputs a first operation signal indicating the touch operation on the first operation area 201B. In the switch main body 1 of the second switch device SB, the control unit 5 receiving the first operation signal switches on (or off) the second lighting load 4B by switching the switch element 50 ON (or OFF).

Furthermore, in the first switch device SA, when the lower operation area (second operation area 202A) is touched, the operation unit 2 outputs a second operation signal indicating the touch operation on the second operation area 202A. In the switch body 1 of the first switching device SA, the control unit 5 having received the second operation signal causes the signal transmission unit 55 to send a control signal for the second lighting load 4B to the second switching device SB via the signal line 101 .

In the second switching device SB, the signal transmission unit 55 receives the control signal transmitted from the first switching device SA via the signal line 101 and outputs the received control signal to the control unit 5 . The control unit 5 of the second switching device SB turns on (or turns off) the second lighting load 4B by switching the switching element 50 ON (or OFF) based on the control signal received from the signal transmission unit 55 .

Furthermore, in the second switch device SB, when the lower operation area (hereinafter referred to as the second operation area 202B) is touched and operated, the operation unit 2 outputs a second operation signal, indicating that the touch operation on the second operation area 202B . In the switch body 1 of the second switch device SB, the control unit 5 receiving the second operation signal causes the signal transmission unit 55 to send a control signal for the first lighting load 4A to the first switch device SA via the signal line 101 .

In the first switching device SA, the signal transmission unit 55 receives the control signal transmitted from the second switching device SB via the signal line 101 and outputs the received control signal to the control unit 5 . The control unit 5 of the first switching device SA turns on (or turns off) the first lighting load 4A by switching the switching element 50 ON (or OFF) based on the control signal received from the signal transmission unit 55 .

In each of the switching devices SA and SB, the control unit 5 may cause the LED 200 of the touch sensor 20 to emit light when the switching element 50 is switched OFF, that is, when the lighting loads 4A and 4B are turned off. In other words, when it is dark because the lighting loads 4A and 4B are off, the positions of the switch devices SA and SB can be displayed by emitting light from the front surfaces of the switch devices SA and SB (the front surface of the operation unit 2 ). Alternatively, the control unit 5 may display the positions of the first operation area 201A ( 201B) and the second operation area 202A ( 202B) by causing the LED 200 of the touch sensor 20 to emit light.

Incidentally, in a typical mechanical switchgear, since an operation feeling changes and/or a sound (operation sound) is generated accompanying the switching of the contacts, it is possible to indicate to the operator that the operation is received. On the other hand, in the switch devices SA and SB, since the operation feeling does not change and/or there is no operation sound even when the operation unit 2 is touched, it is difficult for the operator to judge whether the operation has been received. In view of this, when an operation signal is received from the operation unit 2 , the control unit 5 may output a control signal to the operation unit 2 so that an operation sound (eg, beep) is output from the sound output unit 29 . However, the output/non-output of the operation sound can be made settable by the DIP switch 521 of the setting unit 52 .

Further, when a radio signal is transmitted from the first transmitter WA, the wireless communication unit 54 of the first switching device SA receives the radio signal, obtains control data included in the radio signal, and outputs the control data to the control unit 5 . The control unit 5 of the first switching device SA turns on (or turns off) the first lighting load 4A by switching the switching element 50 ON (or OFF) based on the control data received from the wireless communication unit 54 .

When a radio signal is transmitted from the second transmitter WB, the wireless communication unit 54 of the second switching device SB receives the radio signal, obtains control data included in the radio signal, and outputs the control data to the control unit 5 . The control unit 5 of the second switching device SB turns on (or turns off) the second lighting load 4B by switching the switching element 50 ON (or OFF) based on the control data received from the wireless communication unit 54 .

Here, in each of the switching devices SA and SB, the control unit 5 can select one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and operate according to the selected operation mode. It should be noted that each of the switching devices SA and SB includes a selection switch (DIP) for selecting one of a state indicating the first operation mode (first state) and a state indicating the second operation mode (second state). switch 521), and selection (setting) between the first operation mode and the second operation mode can be performed through the DIP switch 521. Specifically, the control unit 5 reads the state (ON or OFF) of the DIP switch 521, and selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to the state of the DIP switch 521 (that is, selected using the DIP switch 521) , and operate according to the selected operating mode. For example, the control unit 5 selects the first operation mode when the DIP switch 521 is ON, and selects the second operation mode when the DIP switch 521 is OFF.

The control unit 5 having selected the first operation mode switches the switch element 50 ON or OFF according to the first operation signal, and causes a control signal to be transmitted from the signal transmission unit 55 according to the second operation signal. On the other hand, the control unit 5 having selected the second operation mode switches the switch element 50 ON or OFF according to the second operation signal, and causes the signal transmission unit 55 to send a control signal according to the first operation signal.

For example, in the system configuration shown in FIG. 10, the first operation mode is selected in the first switching device SA, and the second operation mode is selected in the second switching device SB. In this case, when the first operating area 201A of the first switching device SA or the first operating area 201B of the second switching device SB is touch-operated, the first lighting load 4A is turned on or off. On the other hand, when the second operating area 202A of the first switching device SA or the second operating area 202B of the second switching device SB is touched and operated, the second lighting load 4B is turned on or off.

In other words, when the user wants to turn on or off the first lighting load 4A, it is sufficient for the user to touch and operate the first operating area 201A of the first switching device SA or the first operating area 201B of the second switching device SB. Furthermore, when the user wants to switch on or off the second lighting load 4B, it is sufficient for the user to touch and operate the second operation area 202A of the first switch device SA or the second operation area 202B of the second switch device SB.

Here, it is assumed that the first operation mode is selected in both the first switching device SA and the second switching device SB. In this case, when the user wants to turn on or off the first lighting load 4A, the user needs to touch and operate the first operation area 201A of the first switch device SA and the second operation area 202B of the second switch device SB. . Furthermore, when the user wants to switch on or off the second lighting load 4B, the user needs to touch and operate the second operation area 202A of the first switch device SA and the first operation area 201B of the second switch device SB.

In other words, in (i) the two operating areas of the two switching devices SA and SB (the first operating area 201A, 201B and the second operating area 202A, 202B) and (ii) the two lighting loads (the first lighting load 4A and the second lighting load 4B) are reversed. Therefore, user-friendliness is not good.

In response to this, in the switching devices SA and SB according to this embodiment, the control unit 5 selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and operates according to the selected operation mode. Therefore, in (i) the two operating areas of the two switching devices SA and SB (the first operating area 201A, 201B and the second operating area 202A, 202B) and (ii) the two lighting loads (the first lighting load 4A and The corresponding relationship between the second lighting loads 4B) can be consistent. Therefore, the switching devices SA and SB according to this embodiment allow improved user-friendliness.

The switch device according to this embodiment includes: a first operation switch (first operation region 201A or 201B) which receives a human operation and outputs a first operation signal; and a second operation switch (second operation region 202A or 202B) It receives a human operation and outputs a second operation signal. Furthermore, the switching device includes: a signal transmission unit 55 for transmitting transmission signals, a control unit 5, and a switching element for connecting or disconnecting the power supply from the external power source (AC power supply 3) to the load (lighting load 4) 50. In addition, the switchgear includes a case (casing 10 and housing 22 ) that accommodates a first operating switch, a second operating switch, a signal transmission unit 55 , a control unit 5 , and a switching element 50 . The control unit 5 selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and operates according to the selected operation mode. The control unit 5 having selected the first operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the first operation signal, and causes the signal transmission unit 55 to transmit a control signal according to the second operation signal. When the signal transmission unit 55 receives a control signal transmitted from another switching device, the control unit 5 having selected the first operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the received control signal. The control unit 5 having selected the second operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the second operation signal, and causes a control signal to be transmitted from the signal transmission unit 55 according to the first operation signal. When the signal transmission unit 55 receives a control signal transmitted from another switching device, the control unit 5 having selected the second operation mode switches the switching element 50 ON or OFF according to the received control signal.

Furthermore, the load control system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of switching devices, and each of the plurality of switching devices SA and SB is connected to a corresponding one of the power source ( 3 ) and the load (lighting loads 4A, 4B) via the power line 100 , and are connected to each other via the signal line 101.

Since the switchgear and load control system according to the present embodiment are configured in the above-described manner, and the control unit 5 selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operates according to the selected operation mode, user-friendliness can be improved sex.

It should be noted that, in the switchgear according to the present embodiment, the first operation switch and the second operation switch may be touch switches that detect human operations.

It should be noted that the switching device according to the present embodiment may further include a selection switch for selecting one of a state indicating the first operation mode (first state) and a state indicating the second operation mode (second state) (DIP switch 521). In addition, the control unit 5 can select one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to the state of the selection switch (DIP switch 521 ), that is, the state selected using the selection switch.

Thus, by operating the DIP switch 521, the user can select whether to cause the switching device to operate in the first mode of operation or in the second mode of operation.

Then, a description will be made of a procedure for registering the identification information of the transmitters WA and WB to each of the switching devices SA and SB in the system configuration shown in FIG. 10 .

A person performing check-in work (hereinafter referred to as a worker) removes the operation unit 2 from the switch body 1 and pushes to operate one of the three operation buttons 1210 exposed on the front surface of the switch body 1 . When the operation button 1210 is pushed and operated, a corresponding one of the button switches 520 of the setting unit 52 is switched ON, and a setting signal (registered mode setting signal) is output from the setting unit 52 to the control unit 5 . The control unit 5 transitions to the registration mode upon receiving the registration mode setting signal, and notifies the worker of this, for example, by causing the light emitting element 522 to blink ON and OFF.

The worker verifies the blinking (or illumination) of the light emitting element 522 via the aperture 123, and then causes the transmitter (eg, the first transmitter WA) to transmit a radio signal including identification information. The wireless communication unit 54 receives a radio signal transmitted from the first transmitter WA, and outputs identification information included in the radio signal to the control unit 5 . The control unit 5 stores the identification information received from the wireless communication unit 54 in the memory 53, and then notifies the worker of the registration of the identification information by, for example, causing the light emitting element 522 to emit light for a certain period of time. Then, when the worker presses the operation button 1210 for a predetermined time or when a certain amount of time has passed since shifting to the registration mode, the control unit 5 ends the registration mode and shifts to the normal operation mode.

Specifically, the wireless communication signal transmitted from the transmitters WA and WB includes identification information unique to each of the transmitters WA and WB. Furthermore, the control unit 5 of each of the switching devices SA and SB switches the switching elements based on the control data only when the identification information included in the radio signal received by the wireless communication unit 54 matches the identification information stored in the memory 53 50 for ON and OFF. It should be noted that the identification information of a single transmitter WA (or WB) may be co-registered in both switching devices SA and SB. In this case, the lighting load 4A (and 4B) can be switched on or off simultaneously in the two switching devices SA and SB by means of a radio signal sent from the transmitter WA (or WB) having the identification information already registered together. open.

Although the switchgear and the load control system in the present disclosure are described based on the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Forms obtained by various modifications of the exemplary embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, and forms realized by any combination of structural components and functions in each exemplary embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention are included in the present invention .

List of reference signs

SA switchgear

SB switchgear

3 Alternating current (AC) power supply (external power supply)

4 Lighting load (load)

5 control unit

50 switching element

55 Signal transmission unit

100 power cord

101 signal line

201A, 201B First operation area (first operation switch)

202A, 202B Second operation area (second operation switch)

521 DIP switch (switch)

Claims (4)

1. A switchgear for connecting or disconnecting a power supply from an external power source to or from a load, said switchgear comprising: a first operation switch that receives a human operation and outputs a first operation signal; a second operation switch which receives a human operation and outputs a second operation signal; a signal transmission unit configured to send and receive transmission signals; control unit; a switching element that connects or disconnects the power supply from the external power source to or from the load; and a case housing the first operation switch, the second operation switch, the signal transmission unit, the control unit, and the switch element, wherein the control unit has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, (i) said first mode of operation is: switching the switching element to ON or OFF according to the first operation signal; causing the signal transmission unit to transmit a control signal according to the second operation signal; and when the signal transmission unit receives a control signal from another switching device, switches the switching element to ON or OFF according to the received control signal, and (ii) said second mode of operation is: switching the switching element to ON or OFF according to the second operation signal; causing the signal transmission unit to transmit a control signal according to the first operation signal; and when the signal transmission unit receives a control signal from another switching device, switches the switching element to ON or OFF according to the received control signal, The control unit selects one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode to operate. 2. Switchgear according to claim 1, Wherein each of the first operation switch and the second operation switch functions as a touch switch that detects a human's operation. 3. Switchgear according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising: a selection switch for selecting one of a first state indicating said first mode of operation and a second state indicating said second mode of operation, Wherein the control unit is configured to: select one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to the one of the first state and the second state selected using the selection switch and operating in accordance with the selected one of the first and second modes of operation. 4. A load control system comprising: a plurality of switchgears according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein the plurality of switching devices are all connected to an external power source and a corresponding load via a power line, and are connected to each other via a signal line.