Intelligent switch based on Internet of Things

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent switches, in particular to an intelligent switch based on the Internet of Things, which comprises a switch, the switch is used for connecting and disconnecting a circuit between equipment and a power supply, and a bracket is placed on the side wall of the switch; one side of the support is provided with a control unit connected with the Internet and a power supply unit for providing power for the control unit, the support is provided with a pressing unit used for controlling the switch to be switched on and switched off through the control unit, and the support is provided with a fixing device for fixing the support on the switch. According to the invention, the support is installed on a common switch through the fixing device, and then the control unit controls the pressing unit to achieve the control of the connection and disconnection of the switch, so as to solve a problem that a conventional pressing device for transforming a common switch into an Internet of Things intelligent switch is not suitable for a multi-switch type switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of smart switch technology, specifically to a smart switch based on the Internet of Things. Background Technology

[0002] Existing IoT smart switches are generally based on the internet and various positioning and monitoring devices, enabling remote control via the network or automatic on / off switching based on actual environmental conditions. Taking a smart switch for a household light as an example, it can automatically turn the light on and off based on the time obtained from the internet and the indoor brightness and sound detected by sensors. Alternatively, if the homeowner discovers they forgot to turn off the light before going to bed, they can control the light via a communication device connected to the internet.

[0003] While internet-connected smart switches bring convenience, they also have certain shortcomings. Taking home IoT smart switches as an example, if you want to use them in your home, you need to plan the wiring and installation locations before renovation; otherwise, you'll need to replace the switches and rewire later. Existing solutions exist that eliminate the need to replace switches and wiring; simply install a push-button mechanism on the existing switch. This mechanism includes a servo motor and a lever. Controlling the servo motor rotates the lever to press the switch button, thus controlling the switch. However, existing push-button mechanisms are limited by structural layout and cannot be used with multi-pole switches.

[0004] To address this, an IoT-based smart switch is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an Internet of Things-based smart switch, in which a pressing unit is installed on a regular switch via a clamp, and a control unit receives signals from the Internet and drives the pressing unit to control the switch to be turned on and off, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An IoT-based smart switch includes:

[0008] A switch for connecting and disconnecting the line between the device and the power source, a bracket is placed on the side wall of the switch, and a control unit connected to the Internet and a power supply unit for providing power to the control unit are mounted on one side of the bracket;

[0009] Also includes:

[0010] The bracket is equipped with a pressing unit for controlling the switch to be turned on and off via a control unit, and the bracket is also equipped with a fixing device for fixing the bracket to the switch.

[0011] Traditional switches require manual operation by pressing a button to turn them on and off. IoT smart switches, on the other hand, control their operation via data signals from sensors and the internet, or can be controlled by the user via the internet. However, replacing an existing ordinary switch with an IoT smart switch requires replacing not only the switch button but also the wiring. Therefore, replacing switches demands a high level of skill from the operator, requiring expertise in wiring connections and the use of various tools, and is also time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0012] This invention involves installing a bracket on a standard switch. A control unit and a power supply unit are mounted on one side of the bracket. The control unit connects to the internet and processes various signals, while the power supply unit provides power to the control unit and triggering device, typically using a battery. Therefore, when a communication device connects to the control unit, a warning will appear indicating the remaining current in the power supply unit. When the battery is low, the user can replace it. If the switch is close to a socket, the battery can be replaced with a transformer, which powers the control unit and triggering device via a wire connected to the socket. When the communication device sends a signal to the control unit, the control unit controls the pressing unit to remotely control the switch to open and close.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing device includes multiple movable slots formed on the four inner sidewalls of the bracket. Each set of movable slots is slidably mounted with a guide post. The end of each set of guide posts away from the bracket is fixedly mounted with a clamping plate, and the clamping plate is parallel to the inner sidewall of the bracket. Multiple springs are connected to the side of the clamping plate near the bracket. The other end of each spring is connected to the inner side of the bracket, and the springs are coaxial with the guide posts. The side of the clamping plate away from the housing is zigzag-shaped, and the sidewall of the clamping plate away from the inner sidewall of the bracket is provided with a pattern to increase friction.

[0014] When replacing a standard switch, align the bracket with the switch and move the bracket closer to the switch. During this process, because the distance between the two opposing clamps is 10mm-15mm less than the overall size of the corresponding switch model, the clamps will move closer to the inner wall of the bracket. The side of the clamp that first contacts the switch during installation is curved to facilitate better force distribution and automatic movement without manual adjustment. The movement of the clamps will move the guide post within the movable slot and compress the first spring. After the bracket is installed, the first spring will create pressure between the clamp and the switch. The product of this pressure and the surface friction coefficient is the static friction between the bracket and the switch, which secures them together. When the switch to be modified operates in an environment with frequent and strong vibrations, patterns can be added to the contact surfaces of the clamps and the switch to increase the surface friction coefficient of the clamps, thereby increasing the friction between the bracket and the switch and preventing the bracket from falling off.

[0015] When you need to remove the bracket, simply pull it out in the opposite direction of its installation.

[0016] In addition to using elastic clamps, the fixing device here can also be threaded holes on the four axes of the bracket, with bolts rotatably installed in the threaded holes. The bracket and the switch are fixed by adjusting the alignment of the bolts with the switch.

[0017] Preferably, the pressing unit includes a housing 1 disposed above the side wall of the bracket perpendicular to the clamp plate. The housing 1 has a telescopic hole on the side wall near the bracket. An electromagnet is fixedly installed on the inner side wall of the housing 1 away from the bracket. A pressing block is slidably installed on the telescopic hole. The pressing block has a flange at one end near the electromagnet. The pressing block has a mounting groove 1 with its opening facing the electromagnet. A magnet is fixedly installed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove 1 away from the electromagnet. An adjustment unit for adjusting the housing 1 to adapt to the switch is provided on one side. The end of the pressing block away from the electromagnet is covered with an elastic material to prevent the pressing block from colliding with the switch.

[0018] Normally, when the electromagnet is not activated, it functions like an iron block, attracting the magnet and causing the flange of the pressing block to make close contact with it. At this time, the pressing block retracts into the housing, with its top flush with the telescopic hole. Therefore, even if the user installs the bracket and wants to manually control the switch, the pressing unit will not affect the switch's operation.

[0019] When a user sends a command to the control unit via a communication device, the control unit activates the electromagnet. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field, which is opposite to the magnetic field of the magnet. Therefore, a repulsive force is generated between the magnet and the electromagnet. This repulsive force pushes the pressing block towards the switch, then contacts and pushes the switch button. The end of the pressing block away from the electromagnet is covered with an elastic material, such as rubber, sponge, or latex, to prevent damage to the button from the impact force when the pressing block contacts the switch button. Since the pressing surface of the switch button generally has a certain curvature, and there are differences between different brands of switches, to prevent damage caused by mismatch between the pressing block and the switch button, the pressing block extends to its maximum distance less than the range of motion of the switch button. The gap between them is filled by the elastic material, which can adapt to any object it contacts, ensuring that neither is damaged. After the pressing block extends to its maximum distance, the control unit deactivates the electromagnet. The deactivated electromagnet, acting like an iron block, attracts the magnet, and the pressing block automatically retracts into the housing.

[0020] In existing push-button units, a servo motor is sometimes placed on one side of the switch. The servo motor drives the lever to rotate in both directions, and the lever rotates in the same direction as the switch button. Therefore, the lever can control the switch's on / off state. This method works well for single-pole switches, but it is not suitable for multi-pole switches, especially three-pole or higher switches, as the spatial layout of this method makes it completely unsuitable.

[0021] Preferably, the adjustment unit includes a second housing mounted on a side wall of the bracket near the first housing. A threaded hole is provided at one end of the second housing near the control unit. One end of an adjustment rod is rotatably mounted in the threaded hole. The adjustment rod has an annular notch with a triangular cross-section. A fixing block is fixedly mounted at the other end of the adjustment rod to facilitate rotation. A mounting groove is provided on the side wall of the second housing near the first housing. A through hole is provided at the center of the mounting groove. A telescopic rod is mounted on the outer side wall of the first housing. The other end face of the telescopic rod forms a 45-degree angle with the axis. The telescopic rod is slidably mounted in the through hole. A spring is connected to the inner side wall of the mounting groove away from the first housing. The other end of the spring is connected to the first housing.

[0022] Since the springs on each clamp plate have the same elastic coefficient, when the bracket is installed on the switch, the switch will be located in the center of the bracket, and the switch button will also be located in the center of the switch. Therefore, the pressing unit is set in the center of the housing. However, because the distance between the switch button and the edge varies for the same model of switch from different brands, the pressing blocks of the pressing units on both sides of the bracket may not be able to contact the switch button when extended, making it impossible to control the switch's on / off state. In this case, the adjusting rod can be rotated by twisting the fixing block, causing the fixing block to move closer to the threaded hole. During the movement of the adjusting rod, the notch on the adjusting rod will push the telescopic rod that cooperates with it to move. The telescopic rod will then move the housing away from the housing until half of the pressing block is above the switch button, at which point the rotation can be stopped. To limit the arbitrary movement of the telescopic rod, the housing has a mounting groove on the side wall corresponding to the housing. A spring is connected between the bottom wall of the mounting groove and the housing. Before rotating the adjusting rod, the spring is in its normal state. When the housing moves, the spring is stretched.

[0023] Preferably, the housing 2 is provided with multiple pressing units, the bracket is provided with symmetrical T-shaped grooves on the side wall near the pressing unit, the housing 2 is provided with T-shaped blocks that cooperate with the T-shaped grooves, the housing 2 is slidably mounted on the bracket, the bracket is provided with mounting plates symmetrically mounted on the outer side wall, the mounting plates are fixedly mounted with dampers along the axis of the adjusting rod, and the other end of the dampers is connected to the housing 2.

[0024] When dealing with a double-opening type switch, since the present invention cannot adjust the distance between each pressing unit, the distance between the pressing units of the present invention can only be selected from the average value of various switches on the market. Therefore, in actual use, it is necessary to finely adjust the pressing unit along the axis of the adjusting rod. The housing two is slidably mounted on the bracket. The two can cooperate with the slider through the T-shaped slide groove. A damper is connected between the bracket and the housing two. The damper can limit the movement of the housing two to a certain extent and prevent the housing two from moving spontaneously under the influence of other environmental factors.

[0025] Preferably, the bracket has a notch on the side wall away from the housing for accommodating the open-wire switch, and each of the clamps parallel to the axis of the adjusting rod has a notch for accommodating the open-wire switch.

[0026] Existing standard switches are generally divided into two types: exposed wiring and concealed wiring. Exposed wiring switches have conduits connected to one side, so notches need to be made in the bracket and the clamps parallel to the axis of the adjusting rod to prevent the bracket from interfering with the conduits during installation. Having notches in both clamps and at two points on the bracket allows the bracket to be installed on the switch without a fixed orientation, making it easy to adjust during installation and reducing the impact of environmental space.

[0027] Preferably, the telescopic hole and the pressing block are non-rotating bodies, the pressing block and the telescopic hole are in an overfitting fit, the pressing block (7) and the telescopic hole are sealed with a lubricant, and the pressing block flange is provided with a plurality of pressure relief holes to reduce air pressure resistance when the pressing block moves.

[0028] To prevent dust and foreign objects from entering the housing during the extension and retraction of the pressing block and affecting its movement, an overfit is used between the pressing block and the extension hole, and a lubricant is applied for lubrication and sealing. This fills the gap between the pressing block and the extension hole while reducing the friction between them during extension and retraction. If the pressing block rotates during extension and retraction, it will increase wear between the pressing block and the extension hole, eventually causing gaps to appear. If foreign objects or impurities enter the housing at this point, it will affect the extension and retraction of the pressing block, and may even cause it to jam.

[0029] Because the housing and the pressing block have a tight fit, gas inside the housing cannot easily enter or exit. This causes the gas pressure on both sides of the pressing block flange to impede its movement when the pressing block extends or retracts. Consequently, the switch response is slower when the user sends a signal to the control unit using a communication device. Therefore, a pressure relief hole is made on the flange to allow gas to flow freely on both sides of the flange, improving the switch's response speed.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] 1. The switch button is controlled by starting and stopping the electromagnet. Each pair of pressing units controls one switch button. When dealing with multi-pole switches, since the starting and stopping of each pressing unit is independently controlled by the control unit, only the pressing units need to be added to make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

[0032] 2. Because this invention does not require a complicated installation method, simply align the bracket with a standard switch and press it down. The clamp will automatically extend and retract to adapt to the size of the standard switch, and under the action of spring one, it will form friction with the standard switch to fix it in place. When it needs to be removed, simply pull the bracket out in the opposite direction. Therefore, compared with existing modifications that require professional personnel, the installation of this invention is simple and quick, and it can be more widely applied to various groups of people.

[0033] 3. Since the distance between the switch button and the edge varies for the same model of switch from different brands, this invention equips the pressing unit with an adjustment unit. When the pressing block cannot reach the switch button, the relative position of the pressing block and the switch button can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting rod of the fixed block and pushing the telescopic rod to move, thereby increasing the applicability of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exposed wire switch installation structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 AA diagram;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of a section at point C;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing unit structure of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the other side of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0044] In the diagram: 1. Bracket; 2. Guide post; 3. Clamping plate; 401. Spring 1; 402. Spring 2; 501. Housing 1; 502. Housing 2; 6. Electromagnet; 7. Pressing block; 801. Mounting slot 1; 802. Mounting slot 2; 9. Magnet; 10. Adjusting rod; 11. Fixing block; 12. Telescopic rod; 13. Pressure relief hole; 14. Switch; 15. Mounting plate; 16. Damper. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 10 This invention provides an IoT-based smart switch, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0046] Example 1, Reference Figures 1 to 8 When switch 14 is a single-pole type.

[0047] During installation, align bracket 1 with switch 14, and then move bracket 1 closer to switch 14. During this process, clamp 3 will move closer to the inner wall of bracket 1. The side of clamp 3 that first contacts switch 14 during installation is curved to facilitate better force distribution and automatic movement. The movement of clamp 3 will cause guide post 2 to move within the movable groove and compress spring 401. After bracket 1 is installed, spring 401 will create a certain pressure between clamp 3 and switch 14 to prevent bracket 1 from falling off.

[0048] When it is found that the pressing block 7 cannot contact the switch 14 button, the adjusting rod 10 can be rotated by twisting the fixing block 11, causing the fixing block 11 to move closer to the threaded hole. During the movement of the adjusting rod 10, the notch on the adjusting rod 10 will push the telescopic rod 12 that it is in contact with to move. The telescopic rod 12 will then drive the housing 501 to move away from the housing 502 until half of the pressing block 7 is above the switch 14 button, at which point the rotation can be stopped. When the housing 501 moves, the spring 402 will be stretched, and the force of the spring 402 will keep the telescopic rod 12 and the adjusting rod 10 in contact at all times.

[0049] When the user sends a command to the control unit to turn on switch 14 via a communication device, the control unit activates electromagnet 6. Electromagnet 6 generates a magnetic field, which is opposite to the magnetic field of magnet 9. Therefore, a repulsive force is generated between magnet 9 and electromagnet 6. This repulsive force pushes the pressing block 7 towards switch 14, and then contacts and pushes the switch 14 button. The elastic material at the end of pressing block 7 away from electromagnet 6 can prevent the button from being damaged by the impact force when pressing block 7 contacts the switch 14 button. When pressing block 7 extends to its limit distance, the gap between the two is filled by the deformation of the elastic material, at which point switch 14 is turned on. After pressing block 7 extends to its limit distance, the control unit will turn off electromagnet 6. After being turned off, electromagnet 6 is equivalent to an iron block and will attract magnet 9. Pressing block 7 automatically retracts into housing 501.

[0050] When the user sends a command to the control unit to disconnect switch 14 via a communication device, the pressing unit on the other side of the bracket 1 will be activated to press the button of switch 14, thereby disconnecting switch 14.

[0051] Example 2, reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 When switch 14 is of type double-open.

[0052] Two sets of mounting slots 802 and through holes are provided on the housing 502. Each set of mounting slots 802 and through holes is elastically fitted with a pressing unit. The adjusting rod 10 inside the housing 502 also has two corresponding notches that mate with the pressing units. Rotating the adjusting rod 10 allows simultaneous adjustment of all the pressing units on one side of the bracket 1. Rotating the adjusting rod 10 moves the pressing unit above the button of switch 14, and then pushing the housing 502 ensures that each pressing unit on the housing 502 corresponds to a single button of switch 14. Each pressing unit is independently controlled by the control unit, thus achieving precise control of the double-pole switch 14. Similarly, the only difference between double-pole and multi-pole switches 14 is the addition of pressing units.

[0053] Compared to existing methods that use a servo motor on one side of the switch 14, which drives a lever to rotate forward and backward, and the lever controls the opening and closing of the switch 14, the advantage of this invention is that it can still be well applied to switches 14 with three or more switches. The servo motor rotation method, however, is limited by structural layout and cannot be used with switches 14 with three or more switches.

[0054] Working principle:

[0055] During installation, align bracket 1 with switch 14 and press it toward switch 14. During the pressing process, the force exerted by clamp 3 on spring 401 compresses spring 401. After pressing, clamp 3 generates static friction between clamp 3 and switch 14 under the action of spring 401 for fixing.

[0056] When in operation, the control unit activates electromagnet 6. Electromagnet 6 and magnet repel each other. Magnet 9 pushes the pressing block 7 to move closer to switch 14, and finally pushes the button of switch 14 to control the opening and closing of switch 14. When electromagnet 6 is closed, electromagnet 6 is equivalent to an iron block, which attracts each other with magnet 9. Pressing block 7 retracts into housing 501.

Claims

1. An IoT-based smart switch, comprising: A switch (14) is used to connect and disconnect the line between the device and the power supply. A bracket (1) is placed on the side wall of the switch (14). A control unit connected to the Internet and a power supply unit that provides power to the control unit are installed on one side of the bracket (1). Its characteristic is that it further includes: The support (1) is equipped with a pressing unit for turning the switch (14) on and off via a control unit, and the support (1) is equipped with a fixing device for fixing the support (1) to the switch (14).

2. The IoT-based smart switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing device includes multiple movable slots opened on the four inner side walls of the bracket (1). Each set of movable slots is slidably installed with a guide post (2). Each set of guide posts (2) is fixedly installed with a clamping plate (3) at the end away from the bracket (1). The clamping plate (3) is parallel to the inner side wall of the bracket (1). Multiple springs (401) are connected to the side of the clamping plate (3) close to the bracket (1). The other end of the springs (401) is connected to the inner side of the bracket (1). The springs (401) are coaxial with the guide post (2).

3. The IoT-based smart switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing unit includes a housing (501) disposed above the side wall of the bracket (1) perpendicular to the clamp (3). The housing (501) has a telescopic hole on the side wall near the bracket (1). An electromagnet (6) is fixedly installed on the inner side wall of the housing (501) away from the bracket (1). A pressing block (7) is slidably installed on the telescopic hole. A flange is provided at one end of the pressing block (7) near the electromagnet (6). A mounting groove (801) is provided on the pressing block (7), and the opening direction of the mounting groove (801) is towards the electromagnet (6). A magnet (9) is fixedly installed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove (801) away from the electromagnet (6). An adjustment unit for adjusting the housing (501) adaptation switch (14) is provided on one side of the housing (501).

4. A smart switch based on the Internet of Things according to claim 3, characterized in that: The adjustment unit includes a second housing (502) mounted on the side wall of the bracket (1) near the first housing (501). The second housing (502) has a threaded hole at one end near the control unit. An adjusting rod (10) is rotatably mounted in the threaded hole. The adjusting rod (10) has an annular notch with a triangular cross-section. A fixing block (11) is fixedly mounted at the other end of the adjusting rod (10) to facilitate rotation. The second housing (502) is located near the side wall of the first housing (501). 1) has a second mounting groove (802) on its side wall. A through hole is opened at the center of the second mounting groove (802). A telescopic rod (12) is installed on the outer side wall of the first housing (501). The other end face of the telescopic rod (12) forms a 45-degree angle with the axis. The telescopic rod (12) is slidably installed in the through hole. A second spring (402) is connected to the inner side wall of the second mounting groove (802) away from the first housing (501). The other end of the second spring (402) is connected to the first housing (501).

5. A smart switch based on the Internet of Things according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing (502) is provided with multiple pressing units. The housing (502) is slidably mounted on the bracket (1). Mounting plates (15) are symmetrically mounted on the outer side wall of the bracket (1). A damper (16) is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate (15) along the axis of the adjusting rod (10). The other end of the damper (16) is connected to the housing (502).

6. A smart switch based on the Internet of Things according to claim 2, characterized in that: The side of the clamp (3) away from the housing (501) is zigzag-shaped.

7. A smart switch based on the Internet of Things according to claim 3, characterized in that: The telescopic hole and the pressing block (7) are non-rotating bodies.

8. A smart switch based on the Internet of Things according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressing block (7) and the telescopic hole are sealed with a lubricant.

9. A smart switch based on the Internet of Things according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressing block (7) has multiple pressure relief holes (13) on its flange to reduce air pressure resistance when the pressing block (7) moves.

10. A smart switch based on the Internet of Things according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the pressing block (7) away from the electromagnet (6) is covered with an elastic material to prevent the pressing block (7) from being damaged by the switch (14).

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