HK1107725B - An infrared sensor switch - Google Patents

Description

Infrared sensor switch

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to an infrared sensor switch, and more particularly, to an infrared sensor switch that uses an infrared sensor to attempt to detect whether a person is present within a detection range of the sensor, and controls turning on and off of a corresponding load unit based on the detection result.

Background

An infrared sensor switch of this kind is mounted on, for example, a ceiling, a wall, or the like, so as to function as an energy saving unit. For example, a terminal unit described in Japanese patent application publication No. H6-245282, issued on 9/2 1994 is mounted on a wall. The unit includes a printed circuit board on which the infrared sensor is mounted and a rotating frame which holds the printed circuit board and is rotated about a vertical axis by a direction adjustment knob. In the case of this unit, the center axis of the detection range of the infrared sensor can be rotated about the vertical axis. However, since the positions of the top and bottom ends of the detection range are constant, if the unit is installed high on the wall, the human body cannot be detected.

An infrared sensor switch described in japanese patent application publication No. H4-55728, issued 24.2.1992, is mounted on an outdoor wall. The switch includes a sensor block including an infrared sensor (pyroelectric element), and rotates about a horizontal axis. In the case of this switch, since the center axis of the detection range of the infrared sensor can be rotated about the horizontal axis, the positions of the top end and the bottom end of the detection range can be changed. However, the center axis of the detection range is rotated upward and downward from 45 degrees below, and the center axis cannot be directed forward, so if the switch is installed at a position lower than a person, the person may not be detected.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to surely detect a human body even if the infrared sensor switch of the present invention is installed on a wall at a position higher or lower than the human body.

The infrared sensor switch of the present invention includes an infrared sensor having a detection range, and a controller. The controller attempts to detect whether a person is present within a detection range using the sensor, and controls turning on and off of the corresponding load unit based on each detection result obtained from the sensor. The switch also includes a sensor block provided with the sensor, and a housing. The housing is placed in the wall and holds the sensor block so that the central axis of the detection range can rotate about the horizontal axis and can rotate from 0 degrees forward down to at least 40 degrees. According to this structure, even if the infrared sensor switch is installed at a position higher or lower than the person, the person can be surely detected.

In a preferred embodiment, the infrared sensor switch further comprises an address memory and a transmitter. The address memory stores addresses associated with corresponding load units. The transmitter transmits a transmission signal to the corresponding load unit through the main control unit based on the prescribed multiplexing. The master unit transmits a transmission signal based on a relationship between an address stored in the memory and an address assigned to a corresponding load unit. The corresponding load unit includes at least one load, a receiver, and a controller. The receiver is configured to receive a transmission signal from the master unit based on the multiplexing. When the receiver receives a transmission signal including an address assigned to the load unit, the controller of the load unit controls the at least one load to be turned on or off, respectively, according to an on or off control code included in the transmission signal. The controller of the infrared sensor switch transmits a transmission signal including an on or off control code to a corresponding load unit through the main control unit by generating a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the on or off control code and an address stored in the memory based on a detection result obtained from the sensor so as to transmit the transmission signal to the main control unit through the transmitter. According to this structure, a remote monitoring/control system can be constructed using the main control unit, the infrared sensor switch, and the load unit.

In an enhanced embodiment, the infrared sensor switch further comprises a receiver for receiving an address from an external adapter. The adapter includes an input device for inputting an address, and a transmitter for transmitting the address input through the input device to the infrared sensor switch. When the receiver of the infrared sensor switch receives an address from the adapter, the controller of the infrared sensor switch stores the received address in the address memory. According to this structure, the address associated with the corresponding load unit can be easily set to the infrared sensor switch.

In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter of the adapter is a wireless transmitter and the receiver of the infrared sensor switch is a wireless receiver. According to this structure, even if the infrared sensor switch is installed at a position higher than a person, an address related to the corresponding load unit can be easily set to the switch.

In an alternative embodiment, the adapter is an address setting unit mounted on a wall at a position lower than the person. According to this structure, even if the infrared sensor switch is installed at a position higher than a person, an address related to the corresponding load unit can be easily set to the switch.

In an enhanced embodiment, the infrared sensor switch further comprises a brightness sensor that detects a brightness level of the surroundings. In this case, the load is a lighting device, and the controller of the infrared sensor switch keeps the load off regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the level detected by the brightness sensor is higher than the brightness reference level. According to this configuration, power consumption can be suppressed more effectively.

In another enhanced embodiment, the infrared sensor switch further includes an indicator for indicating each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor. Based on each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor, the controller of the infrared sensor switch drives the indicator to indicate each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor. According to this structure, each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor can be easily seen.

In other enhanced embodiments, the infrared sensor switch further comprises a hold time adjuster. The adjuster is used to adjust a holding time for holding the on state of the load, the holding time starting from a point in time at which a detection result of the presence of a person in the detection range is obtained from the infrared sensor. After obtaining a detection result that a person is present in the detection range from the infrared sensor, the controller of the infrared sensor switch keeps the load unit on for a holding time. According to this structure, the on state of the load unit can be appropriately adjusted in response to the holding time adjusted by the adjuster.

In a modified embodiment, the sensor block has scales, each scale indicating an inclination of the center axis of the detection range. According to this structure, the center axis of the detection range can be easily adjusted to a desired tilt angle.

In an enhanced embodiment, the infrared sensor switch further comprises a forced-on switch and a forced-off switch. The controller of the infrared sensor switch is configured to transmit a transmission signal including a turn-on control code to the corresponding load unit through the main control unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-on switch is activated. The transmission signal is sent by: a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the turn-on control code and an address stored in the address memory is generated to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter. The controller of the infrared sensor switch is further configured to transmit a transmission signal including a turn-off control code to the corresponding load unit through the main control unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-off switch is activated. The transmission signal is sent by: a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the shutdown control code and an address stored in the address memory is generated to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter. According to this structure, it is easy to check whether the load unit corresponding to the infrared sensor switch is turned on and off.

In a modified embodiment, the infrared sensor switch with the hold time adjuster further includes a forced-on switch and a forced-off switch included in the adjuster. The controller of the infrared sensor switch is configured to transmit a transmission signal including a turn-on control code to the corresponding load unit through the main control unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-on switch is activated. The transmission signal is sent by: a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the turn-on control code and an address stored in the address memory is generated to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter. The controller of the infrared sensor switch is further configured to transmit a transmission signal including a turn-off control code to the corresponding load unit through the main control unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-off switch is activated. The transmission signal is sent by: a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the shutdown control code and an address stored in the address memory is generated to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter. According to this structure, it is easy to check whether the load unit corresponding to the infrared sensor switch is turned on and off. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In an enhanced embodiment, the infrared sensor switch further comprises a driving means for rotating the sensor block so that the central axis of the detection range rotates about the horizontal axis. According to an external signal including an up or down command, the controller of the infrared sensor switch rotates the sensor block by the driving means so that the center axis of the detection range rotates at every prescribed interval around the horizontal axis. According to this configuration, even if the infrared sensor switch is mounted on the wall at a position higher than the person, the center axis of the detection range of the sensor can be easily adjusted to a desired angle.

In an enhanced embodiment, the housing holds the sensor block such that the central axis of the detection range can be rotated about a horizontal axis from forward to backward to hide the front face of the sensor with the housing. According to this structure, the sensor can be hidden by the case for protection.

In a modified embodiment, the housing holds the sensor block so that the center axis of the detection range can be rotated up to 180 degrees around the horizontal axis from the front downward and backward. According to this structure, the sensor can be completely hidden in the housing and surely protected.

Drawings

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system including the infrared sensor switch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a transmission signal and an interrupt signal;

fig. 4 is an explanatory view of the infrared sensor switch mounted on a wall;

FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of an infrared sensor switch;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an infrared sensor switch mounted on a wall with its cover removed;

FIG. 7A is a front view of an infrared sensor switch mounted on a wall with the infrared sensor pointing forward;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the switch of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the switch of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the switch of FIG. 7C;

FIG. 8A is a front view of a wall-mounted infrared sensor switch with the infrared sensor pointing diagonally downward;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the switch of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the switch of FIG. 8A;

fig. 9A is an explanatory diagram of the detection range (maximum horizontal angular distance, i.e., maximum azimuth angle) of the infrared sensor;

fig. 9B is an explanatory diagram of the detection range (maximum vertical angular distance) of the infrared sensor;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a modified embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a front upper portion of a modified embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a front upper portion of another modified embodiment;

FIG. 14A shows a front upper portion of another modified embodiment;

FIG. 14B shows the upper front portion of the embodiment of FIG. 14A with the cover on the cover removed;

FIG. 15A shows a front upper portion of another modified embodiment;

FIG. 15B shows the upper front portion of the embodiment of FIG. 15A with its cover removed from its lid;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the switch of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the third embodiment;

fig. 18 shows a main part of the third embodiment;

fig. 19 shows the main part;

FIG. 20 shows the main parts of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 21A is a front view of another alternative embodiment mounted on a wall with the infrared sensor directed rearwardly;

FIG. 21B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22A is a side view of another modified embodiment; and

fig. 22B shows a main part of the embodiment of fig. 22A.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment according to the present invention, that is, an infrared sensor switch 1. As shown in fig. 2, the switch 1 is connected to a main control unit a and a corresponding load unit B through a two-wire signal cable Ls. This system of fig. 2 is generally provided with a load unit (B) and a switch (1).

Unit a includes communication circuitry that acts as a transmitter and receiver. Based on time division multiplexing, the unit a sends out a transmission signal through the signal cable Ls, and sends and receives information to and from each unit B and each switch 1 through the transmission signal. As shown in fig. 3, the transmission signal Vs is a time-division multiplexed signal which is a bipolar signal of +/-24V and includes a start pulse ST, mode data MD, address data AD, control data CD, error correction code CS, and signal return period WT. The start pulse ST indicates the start of the signal Vs. The pattern data MD is data indicating a pattern of the signal Vs. The address data AD is data for identifying each cell (B) and switch (1). The control data CD is data representing a control instruction (control code) for the corresponding unit B. The error correction code CS is data such as checksum data for detecting transmission errors. The signal return period WT is a time slot during which the corresponding unit B or switch 1 returns a return signal (monitor data). Each data is transmitted by pulse width modulation.

The unit a is also provided with dummy signal (dummy signal) transmitting means and interrupt processing means (not shown). The glitch transmitting means repeatedly generates a glitch and transmits the glitch as a transmission signal through the signal cable Ls. The mode data MD of each glitch is set to a glitch mode, and the address data AD of each glitch is cyclically changed.

As shown in fig. 3, when any of the switches 1 returns an interrupt signal Vi in synchronization with a start pulse ST of a glitch (transmission signal Vs), the interrupt processing means detects the switch 1 so as to access the switch 1. At this time, the apparatus requests monitoring data, i.e., data for turning on or off the unit B associated with the switch 1. When receiving the monitoring data from the switch 1, the unit a generates and transmits a transmission signal based on the monitoring data and the address of the switch 1. That is, the control data of the transmission signal is set to the control code corresponding to the monitoring data, and the address data is set to the address of the load unit B in association with the address of the switch 1. The relationship between the content of each monitoring data and each control code is predetermined and stored in the storage means of the unit a. The relationship between the address of each switch (1) and the address of each load unit (B) is also predetermined and stored in the storage means.

The cell B includes a relay terminal cell B1 and at least one load connected to the cell B1. In the example of fig. 2, the unit B1 is connected to a load B2 (lighting) and a load B3 (ventilation fan). The unit B1 may be installed in a toilet, for example. The unit B includes a storage device (not shown) for storing a pre-assigned address, a communication circuit (not shown) for the above time division multiplexing, and a controller (not shown) for controlling at least one load. The communication circuit acts as a transmitter and a receiver. The power of cell B1 is obtained through a full wave rectifier of each transmission signal. Upon receiving the transmission signal Vs from the cell a, the cell B1 determines whether the address of the address data included in the signal Vs coincides with the address of the memory device. When the address of the address data coincides with the address of the storage device, the unit B1 acquires the control data included in the signal Vs and returns the monitor data corresponding to the control data in synchronization with the signal return period of the signal Vs. At this time, the unit B1 connects a suitable low impedance between the two wires of the signal cable Ls, and returns the monitoring data by a current mode signal. The unit B1 then controls each load based on the control data (control code). The load B2 is turned on or off, or dimmed, based on the control data. Load B3 is turned on or off based on the control data. In addition, when receiving the periodic transmission signal (glitch) Vs from the unit a, the unit B1 determines whether the address of the address data included in the signal Vs coincides with the address of the memory device. If they coincide with each other, the unit B1 returns monitoring data corresponding to the state of the load in synchronization with the signal return period of the signal Vs.

The switch 1 includes a case 10 placed on a wall by mounting a frame C, a main circuit block 14 placed in the case 10, and a sensor block 15 located at a lower portion of a front surface of the case 10.

As shown in fig. 1, the frame C has a window hole C1 three times as large as a power outlet module having two slits into which only two parallel flat blades (flat blades) of an a-type plug can be inserted, and the module can be disposed along the length of the frame C for three modules. That is, the frame C has three pairs of holding holes (C2) for holding three modules. Each hole C2 is formed in a square bracket shape (i.e., "["). The upper and lower portions of the frame C are also formed with elliptical holes C3 and C3, respectively. As shown in fig. 4, the frame C on which the switch 1 is mounted is located on the front face of the wall D so as to face the metal fitting E located on the rear face of the wall D when the casing 10 of the switch 1 is placed in the hole D1 of the wall D1 and is fixed to the fitting E by two screws F and F. In addition, a front cover G is mounted on the front surface of the frame C.

As shown in fig. 1, the housing 10 includes a box body 11, a cover 12, and a lid 13, each of which is made of synthetic resin, so that the size of the housing 10 is three times that of the above-described power outlet module. In addition, two pairs of terminals (T) are mounted on the base 110 of the case 11. Each terminal T includes a base T1 and a screw T2, and is electrically connected to the block 14. The upper and lower edges of the right side 111 of the case 11 are formed with mounting holes 111a and 111b, respectively, and the upper and lower edges of the left side 112 of the case 11 are formed with mounting holes 112a and 112b, respectively. The right side 121 of the cover 12 is formed at upper and lower edges thereof with protrusions 121a and 121b inserted into the holes 111a and 111b, respectively. Also, the upper and lower edges of the left side of the hood 12 are formed with protrusions that are inserted into the holes 112a and 112b, respectively. The tip of each projection is also formed with a hook. Therefore, if each protrusion is inserted into the corresponding mounting hole, the cover 12 may be fixed to the case 11.

Also, the upper front end of the right side 121 of the cover 12 is formed with protrusions 121C and 121C inserted into the holding hole C2 of the upper right portion of the frame C, and the lower front end of the right side 121 is formed with protrusions 121d and 121d inserted into the hole C2 of the lower right portion of the frame C. Also, the left upper front end of the cover 12 is formed with protrusions 121e and 121e inserted into the left upper hole C2 of the frame C, and the left lower front end is formed with protrusions 121f and 121f inserted into the left lower hole C2 of the frame C. Therefore, if each pair of protrusions is inserted into the corresponding hole C2, the housing 10 can be fixed to the frame C.

The front upper portion 125 of the hood 12 is formed with through holes 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d and 125e, while the front lower portion of the hood 12 is formed as a semi-cylindrical cavity 126, the axis of which is horizontally disposed. The bottom of the cavity 126 is formed with a rectangular elastic member 126a whose tip is bent forward, and the semicircular end of the cavity 126 is formed with holding members 126b and 126c for holding the sensor block 15. The cover 13 has a through hole 13a provided in front of the hole 125a and is attached to the left side of the front upper portion 125 so that the cover 13 can be opened and closed.

As shown in fig. 5, the main circuit block 14 includes a communication circuit 141 for the above time division multiplexing, a main power supply circuit 142, a power supply circuit 143 for the sensor block 15, an input circuit 144 for the block 15, a luminance sensor circuit 145, a hold time adjuster 146, a storage device 147, an address setting circuit 148, and a CPU 140. The circuits 141, 142, and 143 are connected to the signal cable Ls through a pair of terminals T and T. The circuit 141 acts as a transmitter and receiver. The circuit 142 generates power through a full-wave rectifier of each transmission signal obtained from the terminals, and supplies the power to the CPU140 and the like. The circuit 143 generates power through a full-wave rectifier of each transmission signal obtained from the terminals and supplies the power to the block 15. Based on the output of the infrared sensor 153a in the block 15, the circuit 144 attempts to detect whether or not a person is present within the detection range of the sensor 153a, and supplies the detection result to the CPU 140.

As shown in fig. 1, 5, and 6, the circuit 145 includes: a brightness sensor (e.g., CdS)145a disposed behind the holes 13a and 125a and detecting a brightness level of the surroundings; a rotary switch 145b disposed behind the hole 125b and used to adjust a brightness reference level; and so on. The luminance reference level may be set in a range from a minimum level (e.g., less than 5Lx) to a maximum level (e.g., greater than 100 Lx). And, when the switch 145b is turned to an "off" position outside of the range, the function of the circuit 145 is suspended.

The adjuster 146 includes a rotary switch 146a or the like disposed behind the hole 125 c. The switch 146a is used to adjust a holding time for holding the on state of the corresponding load unit B, which starts from a point in time at which a detection result that a person exists in the detection range is obtained from the sensor 153 a. The holding time may be set in a range from, for example, 10 seconds to 30 minutes. According to this structure, the on state of the load unit can be appropriately adjusted in response to the holding time adjusted by the adjuster 146. The storage device 147 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, and stores addresses associated with the corresponding load units. In this embodiment, the device 147 stores, for example, four different addresses, each of which includes a group number, a unit number, and one of four different load numbers.

The circuit 148 includes a switch 148a disposed behind the hole 125d, and a light receiving element 148b and a light emitting element 148c disposed behind the hole 125 e. The elements 148b and 148c include wireless transmission/reception circuits for mainly receiving each address from an external adaptor (not shown). The adapter includes an input device for inputting each address, and a wireless communicator (e.g., a wireless transmitter and receiver) for transmitting each address input through the input device to the infrared sensor switch 1. According to this structure, each address associated with the corresponding load unit can be easily set to the infrared sensor switch 1. Also, even if the switch 1 is installed at a position higher than a person, each address associated with the corresponding load unit can be easily set to the switch 1. The CPU140 will be described later.

As shown in fig. 1, the sensor block 15 includes a housing 150 made of synthetic resin, a sensor circuit block 153, a lens 154, and shutters (shetter) 155 and 156. The case 150 includes a hollow body 151 formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and a hollow cover 152 formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and having a rectangular window 152a at a front surface. The block 153 includes an infrared sensor 153a and an LED153b, and is disposed in the housing 150 and connected to the power supply circuit 143 and the input circuit 144 by, for example, each wire inserted into a through hole (not shown) of the body 151. For example, the sensor 153a includes an element such as a pyroelectric element, and a mirror (mirror). The lens 154 is disposed in the housing 150 so as to be disposed in front of the sensor 153 a. The shutters 155 and 156 are disposed in front of the left and right sides of the lens 154 such that the shutters 155 and 156 can rotate about the rear ends of the shutters 155 and 156, respectively. The shutters 155 and 156 may be opened so that the detection range of the sensor 153a is extended to 160 ° (see fig. 9A).

As shown in fig. 1, fig. 7A to 7D, fig. 8A to 8C, and fig. 9A to 9B, the housing 150 is held by the holding members 126B and 126C of the hood 12 such that the center axis of the detection range of the sensor 153a can be rotated about the horizontal axis and rotated downward from the forward direction of 0 degrees to at least 40 degrees. Specifically, the right semicircular end of the body 151 is formed with a hole 151a into which a protrusion (not shown) of the holding part 126b is inserted, and the left semicircular end of the body 151 is formed with a hole (not shown) into which a protrusion 126e of the holding part 126c is inserted. Each of these holes is located behind the rotational axis of the housing 150 and is formed in an arch shape having a length corresponding to 40 degrees as described above. In addition, the tip of the elastic member 126a is inserted into any one of the slits (151c) formed on the back surface of the body 151, so that the case 150 is fixed to the case 10. Therefore, the central axis of the detection range can be rotated from the front downward to at least 40 degrees at every pitch (e.g., 5 °) of the slit (151 c).

The CPU140 is configured to execute various instructions. For example, when the switch 148a is pressed, the CPU140 monitors the output of the light receiving element 148b, and when each address from the above-described adapter is received through the element 148b, the CPU140 stores each address into the storage device 147.

The CPU140 also controls on and off of the corresponding load unit based on each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor 153a through the input circuit 144. Specifically, if a detection result that a person is present in the detection range is obtained from the circuit 144, when the detection result is obtained, the CPU140 turns on the LED153b to indicate the detection result. In this case, the detection result obtained from the sensor 153a can be easily seen. The CPU140 also executes the following process for each address stored in the device 147. That is, the CPU140 uses the communication circuit 141 to return the interrupt signal Vi in synchronization with the start pulse of the transmission signal from the unit a. Then, if a monitoring data request is received from the unit a, the CPU140 returns monitoring data for turning on the load of the corresponding load unit (load corresponding to the load number) through the circuit 141.

After the holding time adjusted by the holding time adjuster 146, the CPU140 performs the same process as described above for each address stored in the device 147. In this case, the monitoring data is set to turn off the load of the corresponding load unit.

In addition, when the level detected by the luminance sensor 145a is higher than the luminance reference level adjusted by the switch 145B, the CPU140 keeps the load B2 of the corresponding load unit off regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor 153 a. According to this configuration, power consumption can be suppressed more effectively.

The angular adjustment of the sensor block 15 of the first embodiment will now be explained. When the infrared sensor switch 1 is installed on the wall at a position higher than the person, the sensor block 15 may be moved such that the sensor 153a faces the person shorter than the position, and thus, even if the switch 1 is installed on the wall at a position higher than the person, the human body may be surely detected. When the switch 1 is installed on a wall at a position lower than a person, the block 15 may be moved so that the sensor 153a faces the person higher than the position, and therefore, even if the switch 1 is installed on a wall at a position lower than a person, a human body may be surely detected.

In a modified embodiment, the housing 10 holds the block 15 so that the center axis of the detection range of the sensor 153a can be rotated from the front downward to at least 40 degrees, and can also be rotated from the front upward to at least 40 degrees. That is, each of the holes of the right and left semicircular ends of the body 151 has a length corresponding to 80 degrees as described above. In this case, the same slit as the slit (151c) is preferably formed at the upper back of the body 151.

In an alternative embodiment, the adapter is an address setting unit mounted on a wall at a position lower than a person. In this case, the circuit 148 and the address setting unit may include a wired transmission/reception circuit and a wired communicator, respectively, instead of a wireless transmission/reception circuit and a wireless communicator. The address setting unit may also be an auxiliary infrared sensor unit including the same sensor block as the sensor block 15, and is connected to the power supply circuit 143 and the input circuit 144. As shown in fig. 10, the auxiliary infrared sensor unit 1A may include a housing of the same size as the above-described power outlet module. In this case, the unit 1A may be attached at any position of the mounting frame C. However, without being limited thereto, the unit 1A may also include a housing twice as large as the module.

In another modified embodiment, as shown in fig. 11, the sensor block 15 has scales (151d) each indicating the inclination of the center axis of the detection range of the sensor 153 a. The scale (151d) may be formed on at least one of a side and an end of the housing 150 (or the body 151). Each interval of the scale is set to, for example, 5 °. According to this structure, the center axis of the detection range can be easily adjusted to a desired tilt angle.

In another modified embodiment, as shown in fig. 12, the infrared sensor switch 1 further includes a forced-on switch 146c and a forced-off switch 146d, and the regulator 146 includes a rotary switch 146a for the lighting device (B2) and a rotary switch 146B for the ventilation fan (B3). Each of the switches 146c and 146d is, for example, a rotary switch, a push-button switch, or the like. The switch 146a is used to adjust a holding time for holding the on state of the lighting device B2 of the corresponding load unit B, the holding time starting from a point in time at which a detection result of the presence of a person in the detection range is obtained from the sensor 153 a. The switch 146B is used to adjust a holding time for holding the on state of the ventilation fan (B3) corresponding to the load unit B, the holding time starting from a point in time when a detection result that a person is present in the detection range is obtained from the sensor 153 a. The CPU140 is configured to send a transmission signal including an on control code to the corresponding load unit B through the unit a regardless of each detection result obtained from the sensor 153a when the switch 146c is operated. The transmission signal is sent by: a transmission signal including the monitoring data corresponding to the on control code and the address stored in the memory 147 is generated to be transmitted to the unit a through the circuit 147. The CPU140 is also configured to send a transmission signal including a turn-off control code to the corresponding load unit B through the unit a regardless of each detection result obtained from the sensor 153a when the switch 146d is activated. The transmission signal is sent by: a transmission signal including the monitoring data corresponding to the shutdown control code and the address stored in the memory 147 is generated so as to be transmitted to the unit a through the circuit 141. According to this structure, it is easy to check whether the load unit corresponding to the switch 1 is turned on and off.

However, without being limited thereto, a forced-on switch and a forced-off switch may be included in the regulator 146. For example, as shown in fig. 13, in the regulator 146, each of the switches 146a and 146b may be provided with a forced-on switch and a forced-off switch. In this case, the CPU140 is configured to: when the forced-on switch of the switch 146a is activated (turned on), a transmission signal including a turn-on control code is transmitted to the lighting device (B2) of the corresponding load unit through the unit a regardless of each detection result obtained from the sensor 153 a; and when the forced off-off switch of the switch 146a is activated (turned off), a transmission signal including a turn-off control code is transmitted to the lighting device through the unit a regardless of each detection result obtained from the sensor 153 a. Also, the CPU140 is configured to: when the forced-on switch of the switch 146B is activated (turned on), a transmission signal including a turn-on control code is transmitted to the ventilation fan (B3) of the corresponding load unit through the unit a regardless of each detection result obtained from the sensor 153 a; and when the forced off switch of the switch 146b is activated (turned off), a transmission signal including a turn-off control code is sent to the fan through the unit a regardless of each detection result obtained from the sensor 153 a. According to this structure, it is easy to check whether each load of the load unit corresponding to the switch 1 is turned on and off. In addition, the number of parts can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In an alternative embodiment, the address setting circuit 148 is a dip switch (dipswitch) disposed behind the aperture 125e, rather than the elements 148b and 148c, and does not provide the external adapter described above. However, without limitation, the dial switch may be located on the back of the housing 10.

In another modified embodiment, the infrared sensor switch 1 may include a cover 13 smaller than the cover in fig. 1, so that the luminance sensor 145a, the switch 148a, and the elements 148b and 148c are located at a portion of the front upper portion 125 not covered by the cover 13. For example, sensor 145A, switch 148a, and elements 148B and 148c may be located at an upper end of front upper portion 125, as shown in fig. 14A and 14B, or may be located at a left end of front upper portion 125, as shown in fig. 15A and 15B. In any of these cases, each address may be set to the switch 1 without opening the cover 13. In addition, the sensor 145a can be efficiently disposed so as not to be interfered with by the cover 13.

Fig. 16A and 16B show a second embodiment according to the present invention, that is, an infrared sensor switch 2. The switch 2 includes a main circuit block 24 further including a drive circuit 249, in addition to the housing 20 and the sensor block 25 configured in the same manner as the first embodiment. That is, the case 20 includes the box body 21, the cap 22, and the cover 23, and the block 25 includes the case 250 (the body 251 and the cover 252), the sensor circuit block 253 (the infrared sensor 153a and the like), the lens 254, and the shutter (not shown).

The circuit 249 includes a servo motor 249a, a gear 249b, and the like. The motor 249a is driven by the CPU of the block 24 according to an instruction (e.g., an up or down instruction) input through a remote controller (not shown) and a wireless transmission/reception circuit of the address setting circuit in the block 24. The gear 249b is attached to the motor 249a and engages with the slit (251c) of the body 251. According to this configuration, even if the switch 2 is mounted on a wall at a position higher than a person, the center axis of the detection range of the sensor 253a can be easily adjusted to a desired angle.

In an alternative embodiment, the motor 249a is driven by the CPU according to an instruction (e.g., up or down instruction) input through a switch (e.g., up/down switch) mounted on the wall instead of the remote controller described above. In this case, the switch 2 may include a wired transmission/reception circuit instead of a wireless transmission/reception circuit.

Fig. 17A and 17B show a third embodiment according to the present invention, that is, an infrared sensor switch 3. The switch 3 includes a housing 30, a main circuit block 34, and a sensor block 35, and is characterized in that the block 35 is held by the housing 30 such that the central axis of the detection range of the sensor 153a in the block 35 can be rotated from forward to backward about the horizontal axis.

That is, in addition to the box body 31 and the cover 33 configured in the same manner as the first or second embodiment, the housing 30 further includes the cover 32 having the holding members 326b and 326c, the holding members 326b and 326c being formed with the tooth-like notches 326d and 326e, respectively, as shown in fig. 17A and 18, instead of the elastic member 126a and the protrusion (126 e). The lower portion of each holding member (notch) protrudes to prevent the block 35 from falling. On the other hand, the block 35 includes a housing 350, each of the round ends of which is formed with a tube shaft (rotation shaft), in addition to the sensor circuit block 353, the lens 354, and the shutters 355 and 356 configured in the same manner as the first or second embodiment. Specifically, the right semicircular end of the body 351 of the housing 350 is formed with a semi-tubular projection 351a, and the right semicircular end of the cover 352 of the housing 350 is formed with a semi-tubular projection 352a, which constitutes a tube shaft together with the projection 351 a. The projection 351a is also formed with a projection 351e that engages with the serration notch 326 d. Also, each left semicircle of the body 351 and the cover 352 is formed with a semi-tubular projection, and the projection of the body 351 is formed with a projection engaged with the toothed notch 326 e. The pitch of the teeth of each notch is set to, for example, 5 °.

Block 353 is connected to the power supply circuit and input circuit in block 34 by each of the conductors inserted into at least one of the tube axes. In the example of fig. 19, the block 353 is connected to one of the power supply circuit and the input circuit through two lines W1 and W2 inserted into the right tube axis and to the other through two lines inserted into the left tube axis.

According to this structure, for example, in the case where the sensor 353a is suspended and the switch 3 is operated only by the brightness sensor circuit, if the center axis of the detection range of the sensor 353a is rotated from the forward direction to the backward direction, the sensor 353a can be hidden in the cavity 326 of the cover 32 of the housing 30 for protection. In this case, if the surrounding luminance level is higher than the luminance reference level, the load (lighting device) of the corresponding load unit is turned off, and otherwise turned on. In addition, when the sensor 353a is used, the central axis of the detection range may be rotated to 40 degrees every 5 ° upward or downward from the front direction.

In a modified embodiment, the housing 30 holds the sensor block 35 so that the center axis of the detection range of the sensor 353a can be rotated up to 180 degrees around the horizontal axis from the front downward and rearward. According to this structure, the sensor 353a can be completely hidden in the cavity of the housing 30 to be surely protected.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the notches 326d of the retaining member 326b are formed with projections 326f instead of teeth, while the semi-tubular projections 351a are toothed instead of projections 351 e. Also, the notch 326e of the holding member 326c is formed with a projection, and the left projection is toothed. The pitch of the teeth of each projection is set to, for example, 5 °.

In another modified embodiment, as shown in fig. 21A, 21B and 21C, the back surface of the body 351 of the sensor block 35 is flat. According to this structure, when the sensor 353a is hidden in the cavity 326, the appearance of the front face of the switch 1 can be improved.

In another modified embodiment, as shown in fig. 22 and 23, the sensor circuit block 353 further includes a marker (marker) (353c) disposed around the infrared sensor 353a (not shown). Each marker 353c is, for example, a laser emitting colored light, and the sensor 353a, the LED, and the marker 353c are mounted on the printed circuit board of the block 353. In fig. 22 and 23, the upper marker 353c indicates the upper end of the detection range of the sensor 353a, and the lower marker 353c indicates the lower end of the detection range. The right marker 353c indicates the right end of the detection range, and the left marker 353c indicates the left end of the detection range. With this configuration, the detection range of the infrared sensor 353a can be visually confirmed. However, without being limited thereto, the above-described marker (353c) may be applied to the first or second embodiment.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, many modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the invention may be effected by those skilled in the art.

Claims (13)

1. An infrared sensor switch comprising:

an infrared sensor having a detection range, and

a controller that attempts to detect whether or not a person is present within the detection range using the sensor, and controls turning on and off of a corresponding load unit based on each detection result obtained from the sensor;

wherein the switch comprises:

a sensor block provided with the sensor; and

a housing that is placed on a wall and holds the block such that a center axis of the detection range can be rotated about a horizontal axis and can be rotated from a forward direction of 0 degrees downward to at least 40 degrees,

it is characterized in that

The infrared sensor switch further includes: an address memory storing addresses associated with the corresponding load units; and a transmitter that transmits a transmission signal to the corresponding load unit by a main control unit based on a prescribed multiplexing, the main control unit transmitting the transmission signal based on a relationship between an address stored in the memory and an address assigned to the corresponding load unit;

wherein the corresponding load unit includes: at least one load; a receiver to receive a transmission signal from the master unit based on the multiplexing; and a controller which controls turning on or off of the at least one load according to an on or off control code included in the transmission signal, respectively, when the receiver receives the transmission signal including the address assigned to the load unit;

wherein the controller of the infrared sensor switch transmits a transmission signal including a turn-on or turn-off control code to the corresponding load unit through the main control unit by generating the transmission signal: the transmission signal is generated based on a detection result obtained from the sensor, and includes monitoring data corresponding to a turn-on or turn-off control code and an address stored in the memory, and is transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter.

2. The infrared sensor switch of claim 1, further comprising a receiver for receiving an address from an external adapter, the adapter including an input device for inputting the address and a transmitter for transmitting the address input through the input device to the infrared sensor switch;

wherein when the receiver of the infrared sensor switch receives an address from the adapter, the controller of the infrared sensor switch stores the received address in the address memory.

3. The infrared sensor switch of claim 2, wherein said transmitter of said adapter is a wireless transmitter and said receiver of said infrared sensor switch is a wireless receiver.

4. The infrared sensor switch according to claim 2, wherein the adapter is an address setting unit installed on a wall at a position lower than a person.

5. The infrared sensor switch of claim 2, further comprising a brightness sensor that detects an ambient brightness level;

wherein: the load is a lighting device; and the controller of the infrared sensor switch keeps the load off regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the level detected by the brightness sensor is higher than a brightness reference level.

6. The infrared sensor switch of claim 2, further comprising an indicator for indicating each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor, wherein the controller of the infrared sensor switch drives the indicator to indicate each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor based on each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor.

7. The infrared sensor switch according to claim 2, further comprising a holding time adjuster that adjusts a holding time for holding an on state of the load unit from a point in time at which a detection result of the presence of a person in the detection range is obtained from the infrared sensor;

wherein the controller of the infrared sensor switch keeps the load unit on during the holding time after obtaining a detection result of the presence of a person in the detection range from the infrared sensor.

8. The infrared sensor switch as set forth in claim 2, wherein the sensor block has scales, each scale representing an inclination of the center axis of the detection range.

9. The infrared sensor switch of claim 2, further comprising a forced-on switch and a forced-off switch,

wherein the controller of the infrared sensor switch is configured to:

transmitting, by the main control unit, a transmission signal including the turn-on control code to the corresponding load unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-on switch is activated, the transmission signal being transmitted by: generating a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the turn-on control code and an address stored in the address memory so as to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter of the infrared sensor switch; and is

Transmitting, by the main control unit, a transmission signal including the turn-off control code to the corresponding load unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-off switch is activated, the transmission signal being transmitted by: generating a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the turn-off control code and an address stored in the address memory so as to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter of the infrared sensor switch.

10. The infrared sensor switch of claim 7, further comprising: a forced-on switch and a forced-off switch included in the hold-time adjuster,

wherein the controller of the infrared sensor switch is configured to:

transmitting, by the main control unit, a transmission signal including the turn-on control code to the corresponding load unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-on switch is activated, the transmission signal being transmitted by: generating a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the turn-on control code and an address stored in the address memory so as to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter of the infrared sensor switch; and is

Transmitting, by the main control unit, a transmission signal including the turn-off control code to the corresponding load unit regardless of each detection result obtained from the infrared sensor when the forced turn-off switch is activated, the transmission signal being transmitted by: generating a transmission signal including monitoring data corresponding to the turn-off control code and an address stored in the address memory so as to be transmitted to the main control unit through the transmitter of the infrared sensor switch.

11. The infrared sensor switch according to claim 2, further comprising a driving means for rotating the sensor block so that the center axis of the detection range rotates about the horizontal axis,

wherein the controller of the infrared sensor switch rotates the block by the driving means so that the central axis of the detection range rotates at every prescribed interval around the horizontal axis in accordance with an external signal including an up or down command.

12. The infrared sensor switch of claim 1, wherein the housing holds the block so that the central axis of the detection range can be rotated from forward to backward about the horizontal axis to hide the front face of the sensor with the housing.

13. The infrared sensor switch as set forth in claim 12, wherein said housing holds said block so that said central axis of said detection range can be rotated to 180 degrees from front to down and back around said horizontal axis.