Switch system

Abstract

To provide a switch system and a transceiver device used therein, which allow the energization state of wiring to be easily switched from multiple locations.SOLUTION: A switch 100 is displaceable between an ON state and an OFF state with respect to wiring 1. A transceiver device 200 displaces the switch 100. The transceiver device 200 includes a transmitter 210 and a receiver 220. The transmitter 210 transmits a radio wave based on a user operation. The receiver 220 displaces the switch 100 between the ON state and the OFF state based on the radio wave received from the transmitter 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch system for switching the energization state of wiring and a transceiver used therein. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a switch system is used to switch the power state of a light bulb installed in the entrance of a house. Specifically, a user can switch the power state of the light bulb between an on state and an off state by operating a physical switch installed in the entrance. This type of switch system generally uses a two-way switch, and the power state of the light bulb is alternately switched between an on state and an off state based on the switching operation of the physical switch.

[0003] In a switch system like the one described above, if it is desired to switch the power state of the entrance light bulb from another location, such as a hallway, in addition to the entrance, a physical switch is installed in the other location. In this case, it is necessary to replace the two-way switch with a three-way switch and add another three-way switch (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Furthermore, if it is desired to add yet another physical switch in a total of three locations to switch the power state of the entrance light bulb, it is necessary to add a four-way switch between the two three-way switches. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-227346 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As mentioned above, if you want to switch the power status of a light bulb in your entrance hall from multiple locations, you can do so by adding a three-way or four-way switch. However, adding a physical switch requires more wiring, which increases the cost of the parts. Furthermore, adding wiring to a complicated location, such as a ceiling or wall, makes the installation difficult, resulting in higher construction costs. These problems are not limited to light bulbs in entrance halls, but can occur in any switch system that switches the power status of wiring to which various loads are connected.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a switch system that can easily switch the energized state of wiring from a plurality of locations, and a transmitter / receiver used therein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A switch system according to the present invention is a switch system for switching the electrical conduction state of a wiring, and includes a physical switch and a transceiver. The physical switch is capable of being switched between an on state and an off state with respect to the wiring. The transceiver switches the physical switch. The transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits radio waves based on a user's operation. The receiver switches the physical switch between an on state and an off state based on the radio waves received from the transmitter.

[0008] With this configuration, a user can operate the transmitter to displace a physical switch via the receiver, switching the electrical state of the wiring between an on state and an off state. Therefore, if multiple transmitters are used, the user can easily switch the electrical state of the wiring from multiple locations by operating each transmitter to transmit radio waves.

[0009] (2) The receiver may have a first circuit that is energized based on radio waves received from the transmitter and that uses electromagnetic force to shift the physical switch between an on state and an off state.

[0010] With this configuration, when a user operates the transmitter, the physical switch is displaced by electromagnetic force via the receiver, and the current state of the wiring can be switched between an on state and an off state.

[0011] (3) The receiver may have an operation unit that switches the physical switch between an on state and an off state based on an operation by a user.

[0012] According to this configuration, the user can operate the receiver to displace the physical switch via the receiver, thereby switching the electrical state of the wiring between an on state and an off state.

[0013] (4) The receiver may include a second circuit that is energized based on an operation on the operation unit and that uses electromagnetic force to shift the physical switch between an on state and an off state.

[0014] With this configuration, when a user operates the receiver, the physical switch is displaced by electromagnetic force via the receiver, and the current state of the wiring can be switched between an on state and an off state.

[0015] (5) The physical switch may have an operation unit that switches the physical switch between an on state and an off state based on an operation by a user.

[0016] With this configuration, the user can not only change the physical switch via the receiver by operating the transmitter, but also change the physical switch by directly operating the physical switch, thereby switching the electrical current state of the wiring between an on state and an off state.

[0017] (6) The receiver may have a storage battery that is charged by power supplied from the wiring.

[0018] With this configuration, the storage battery is automatically charged when the wiring is in an on state, so that work such as battery replacement for the receiver can be omitted.

[0019] (7) The switch system may further include a branching circuit that is turned on by the physical switch when the physical switch is in an off state for the wiring.

[0020] With this configuration, even if multiple physical switches are already installed, one physical switch can be displaced via the receiver, and the other physical switches can be connected via a branching circuit, allowing the existing switches to be used as they are.

[0021] (8) A transceiver according to the present invention is a transceiver for switching a physical switch for switching the electrical conduction state of a wiring between an on state and an off state, and includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits radio waves based on a user's operation. The receiver switches the physical switch between an on state and an off state based on the radio waves received from the transmitter.

[0022] With this configuration, a user can operate the transmitter to displace a physical switch via the receiver, switching the electrical state of the wiring between an on state and an off state. Therefore, if multiple transmitters are used, the user can easily switch the electrical state of the wiring from multiple locations by operating each transmitter to transmit radio waves. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, the energized state of the wiring can be easily switched from a plurality of locations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a switch system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 2B] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 2C] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 2D] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 3A] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a receiver of the switch system is operated. [Figure 3B] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a receiver of the switch system is operated. [Figure 3C] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a receiver of the switch system is operated. [Figure 3D] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a receiver of the switch system is operated. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of expansion of the switch system. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of expansion of the switch system. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of expansion of the switch system. [Figure 4D] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of expansion of the switch system. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5E] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5F] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5G] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5H] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5I] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5J] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 5K] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of a switch system in the case where there are multiple loads. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of a switch system in the case where there are multiple loads. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a switch system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 8B] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 8C] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 8D] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 8E] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an operation when a transmitter of the switch system is operated. [Figure 9A] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a sub-circuit of the switch system is operated. [Figure 9B]10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a sub-circuit of the switch system is operated. [Figure 9C] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a sub-circuit of the switch system is operated. [Figure 9D] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a sub-circuit of the switch system is operated. [Figure 9E] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation when a sub-circuit of the switch system is operated. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the switch system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] First Embodiment 1-1. Overall configuration of the switch system 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a switch system S according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The switch system S is for switching the energization state of a wiring 1 to which a load R is connected, and includes a switch 100 and a transmitting / receiving device 200. An example of the load R is a light bulb installed in the entrance of a house, but the load R is not limited to this, and the energization state of the wiring 1 to which various loads R are connected can be switched by the switch system S.

[0026] A wiring 1 connected to a load R is electrically connected to the L side (ungrounded side). In addition to the wiring 1, a wiring 2 electrically connected to the N side (grounded side) is also connected to the load R, and the switch system S is applied to the wiring 1 on the L side (ungrounded side). Specifically, a portion of the wiring 1 is disconnected, and a switch 100 is installed in that portion. The switch 100 is a physical switch that can be switched between an on state and an off state by mechanical operation (displacement). As a result, as the switch 100 is displaced, the disconnected wiring 1 can be switched between a state in which it is connected via the switch 100 (on state) and a state in which the wiring 1 is disconnected (off state). In other words, the switch 100 can be displaced between an on state and an off state with respect to the wiring 1. The switch 100, which is a physical switch, constitutes a main circuit.

[0027] The transmitting / receiving device 200 is for switching the switch 100 between an on state and an off state, and includes a transmitter 210 and a receiver 220. The transmitter 210 and the receiver 220 are provided separately from each other, and the switch 100 can be switched wirelessly by receiving radio waves transmitted from the transmitter 210 with the receiver 220. Examples of the radio wave method include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz band or radio waves, and any method can be used.

[0028] The transmitter 210 includes a transmission circuit 211. The transmission circuit 211 includes a power supply unit 212 and a transmission unit 213. The power supply unit 212 can be configured with, for example, a replaceable battery or a rechargeable storage battery. The transmission unit 213 may include a coil.

[0029] The transmitting circuit 211 can switch its energized state by operating the switch 214. The switch 214 is a physical switch that can be switched between an on state and an off state by a mechanical operation (displacement), and constitutes an operation unit of the transmitter 210. Specifically, a part of the transmitting circuit 211 is disconnected, and the switch 214 is installed in that part. Thus, by operating the switch 214, the disconnected transmitting circuit 211 can be switched between a state in which it is connected via the switch 214 (on state) and a state in which the transmitting circuit 211 is disconnected (off state).

[0030] Switch 214 is, for example, a momentary switch. That is, switch 214 is always in an off state, but is turned on only when a user operates switch 214. When switch 214 is turned on based on a user operation, power is supplied from power supply unit 212 to transmission unit 213, and radio waves are transmitted from transmission unit 213.

[0031] The receiver 220 includes a receiving circuit 221 that constitutes a sub-circuit. The receiving circuit 221 includes a power supply unit 222 and a drive unit 223. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 222 is configured by a rechargeable storage battery. A first circuit 224 and a second circuit 225 that are connected in parallel to each other are connected to the power supply unit 222.

[0032] A portion of first circuit 224 is separated, and a radio wave actuator 226 is installed in that portion. Actuator 226 is displaced based on the reception of radio waves, and can switch between a state in which the separated first circuit 224 is connected via actuator 226 (on state) and a state in which first circuit 224 is separated (off state).

[0033] A portion of second circuit 225 is disconnected, and switch 227 is provided in that portion. Switch 227 is a physical switch that can be switched between an on state and an off state by mechanical operation (displacement), and constitutes an operation unit of receiver 220. Specifically, a portion of second circuit 225 is disconnected, and switch 227 is provided in that portion. This allows switching between a state in which the disconnected second circuit 225 is connected via switch 227 (on state) and a state in which second circuit 225 is disconnected (off state) based on operation of switch 227 by a user.

[0034] Actuator 226 and switch 227 are connected to each other and are both always in the OFF state. When radio waves are transmitted from transmitter 210, actuator 226 is displaced based on the radio waves received from transmitter 210, causing first circuit 224 to temporarily turn on and become energized. At this time, second circuit 225 remains in the OFF state and is not energized. On the other hand, when second circuit 225 temporarily turns on and becomes energized based on a user's operation of switch 227, first circuit 224 remains in the OFF state and is not energized.

[0035] When either the first circuit 224 or the second circuit 225 is energized, power is supplied from the power supply unit 222 to the drive unit 223. The drive unit 223 generates an electromagnetic force when energized, for example, and uses the electromagnetic force to shift the switch 100 between an on state and an off state. That is, when either the first circuit 224 or the second circuit 225 is energized, the drive unit 223 acts to turn the wiring 1 on, and current begins to flow to the load R.

[0036] The switch 100 is, for example, an alternate switch. Therefore, after the switch 100 is turned on and current begins to flow through the wiring 1, the switch 100 remains in the on state even if the actuator 226 and the switch 227 return to the off state. Thereafter, when one of the first circuit 224 and the second circuit 225 is energized again, the driving unit 223 turns the wiring 1 to the off state, and current flow to the load R is stopped. At this time, the switch 100 remains in the off state even if the actuator 226 and the switch 227 return to the off state.

[0037] In this embodiment, a branching circuit 3 is provided in addition to the wiring 1 and 2 connected to the load R. The branching circuit 3 is connected to the wiring 1 on the L side (non-grounded side) of the switch 100. Therefore, power supplied from the L side (non-grounded side) can be branched to the branching circuit 3.

[0038] A portion of the branch circuit 3 is disconnected, and the above-described switch 100 is installed in that portion. As a result, as the switch 100 is displaced, it is possible to switch between a state in which the load side of the disconnected branch circuit 3 is connected via the switch 100 (on state) and a state in which the load side of the branch circuit 3 is disconnected (off state). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, when the switch 100 is in the off state with respect to the wiring 1, the load side of the branch circuit 3 is turned on by the switch 100. On the other hand, when the switch 100 is in the on state with respect to the wiring 1, the load side of the branch circuit 3 is turned off.

[0039] The power supply unit 222, which is configured as a storage battery, is charged by power supplied from the wiring 1. For this purpose, a charging circuit 4 is appropriately provided between the wiring 1 and the receiver 220. Any electronic component related to charging, such as a diode, may be connected to the charging circuit 4.

[0040] 1-2. Operation when operating the transmitter 2A to 2D are diagrams for explaining the operation when the transmitter 210 of the switch system S is operated.

[0041] When switch 214 of transmitter 210 is operated from the state shown in Fig. 1 to turn on transmission circuit 211 as shown in Fig. 2A, radio waves are transmitted from transmitter 213. Then, actuator 226 of receiver 220 receives the radio waves and is displaced, causing first circuit 224 to temporarily turn on and become energized. Accordingly, drive unit 223 is energized, generating an electromagnetic force, which turns switch 100 on due to the electromagnetic force, thereby starting the supply of electricity to load R via wiring 1. At this time, charging of power supply unit 222 also starts.

[0042] 2B, even when the operation on switch 214 of transmitter 210 is released and both first circuit 224 and second circuit 225 are turned off, switch 100 remains on and power continues to be supplied to load R via wiring 1. While power is being supplied to load R, charging of power supply unit 222 also continues.

[0043] When power supply to the load R is stopped, as shown in FIG. 2C , the switch 214 of the transmitter 210 is operated to turn on the transmission circuit 211 again, causing the transmission unit 213 to transmit radio waves. As a result, the actuator 226 of the receiver 220 that receives the radio waves is displaced, and the first circuit 224 is temporarily turned on and energized. As a result, the drive unit 223 is energized, generating an electromagnetic force, which switches the switch 100 to the off state. As a result, power supply to the load R via the wiring 1 is stopped, and charging of the power supply unit 222 is also stopped.

[0044] Thereafter, even if the operation on switch 214 of transmitter 210 is released and both first circuit 224 and second circuit 225 are turned off as shown in FIG. 2D, switch 100 remains in the off state, and current flow to load R via wiring 1 remains stopped.

[0045] 1-3. Operation when operating the receiver 3A to 3D are diagrams for explaining the operation when receiver 220 of switch system S is operated.

[0046] When second circuit 225 is temporarily turned on as shown in Fig. 3A by operating switch 227 of receiver 220 from the state shown in Fig. 1, driving unit 223 is energized, generating an electromagnetic force. As a result, switch 100 is turned on by the electromagnetic force, and energization to load R begins via wiring 1. At this time, charging of power supply unit 222 also begins.

[0047] 3B, even when the operation on switch 227 of receiver 220 is released and both first circuit 224 and second circuit 225 are turned off, switch 100 remains on and power continues to be supplied to load R via wiring 1. While power is being supplied to load R, charging of power supply unit 222 also continues.

[0048] To stop the power supply to the load R, the second circuit 225 is turned on again by operating the switch 227 of the receiver 220 as shown in Fig. 3C. This causes the drive unit 223 to be energized, generating an electromagnetic force, which switches the switch 100 to the off state. As a result, the power supply to the load R via the wiring 1 is stopped, and charging of the power supply unit 222 is also stopped.

[0049] Thereafter, even if the operation on switch 227 of receiver 220 is released and both first circuit 224 and second circuit 225 are turned off as shown in FIG. 3D, switch 100 remains in the off state, and current flow to load R via wiring 1 is maintained in a stopped state.

[0050] 1-4.Other expansion examples 4A to 4D are diagrams for explaining other examples of expansion of the switch system S. In Fig. 1, the energization state of the load R can be switched from two locations, but depending on the expansion method, the energization state of the load R can be switched from three or more locations.

[0051] In the example of Fig. 4A, by adding one more transmitter 210 to the configuration example of Fig. 1, it becomes possible to switch the power supply state of the load R from three locations. In this case, the frequency of the radio waves transmitted from each transmitter 210 is unified to one frequency. In this way, by adding a desired number of transmitters 210, it becomes possible to switch the power supply state of the load R from a plurality of locations corresponding to the number of transmitters 210.

[0052] The example in FIG. 4B shows an example in which a three-way switch 5 has already been installed as a physical switch, and the switch system S in FIG. 1 has been added to the three-way switch 5. In this case, the switch system S is installed so that the wiring 1 is connected to the load R via the three-way switch 5. In addition, one end of the branch circuit 3 serves as a contact, and as shown by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 4B, the load R can be connected to the branch circuit 3 by switching the three-way switch 5. This makes it possible to switch the power supply state of the load R from three locations.

[0053] In the example of Fig. 4C, by adding one more transmitter 210 to the configuration example of Fig. 4B, it becomes possible to switch the power supply state of the load R from four locations. In this case, the frequency of the radio waves transmitted from each transmitter 210 is unified to one frequency. In this way, by adding a desired number of transmitters 210, it becomes possible to switch the power supply state of the load R from a plurality of locations corresponding to the number of transmitters 210.

[0054] The example of FIG. 4D shows an example in which a three-way switch 5 and a four-way switch 6 are already installed as physical switches, and the switch system S of FIG. 1 is added to these three-way switch 5 and four-way switch 6. In this case, the three-way switch 5 is connected to the load R, and the four-way switch 6 is connected to the three-way switch 5, and the switch system S is installed so that the wiring 1 is connected to the load R via the four-way switch 6. In addition, one end of the branch circuit 3 is connected to the four-way switch 6, and the load R can be connected to the branch circuit 3 by switching the three-way switch 5 or the four-way switch 6, as shown by the dashed dotted lines in FIG. 4D. This allows the power state of the load R to be switched from four locations.

[0055] 1-5. Variations 5A to 5K are diagrams for explaining modified examples of the switch system S. FIG.

[0056] In the example of Fig. 5A, the power supply unit 222 of the receiver 220 in the configuration of Fig. 1 is configured with a replaceable battery instead of a storage battery. Therefore, the charging circuit 4 shown in Fig. 1 is not provided between the wiring 1 and the receiver 220.

[0057] In the example of Fig. 5B, switch 214 of transmitter 210 in the configuration of Fig. 1 is configured as a self-power-generating switch 214. Therefore, transmitter 210 does not include power supply unit 212 configured as a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery as shown in Fig. 1, and radio waves can be transmitted from transmitting unit 213 by supplying power from self-power-generating switch 214 to transmitting unit 213. Note that any method can be used as a power generation method for self-power-generating switch 214. In the configuration of Fig. 5B, power supply unit 222 of receiver 220 may be configured as a replaceable battery as in Fig. 5A.

[0058] In the example of Fig. 5C, power is not supplied to transmission unit 213 of transmitter 210 in the configuration of Fig. 1 from power supply unit 212 configured with a storage battery, but is supplied directly by connecting the L side (ungrounded side) and N side (grounded side) to transmission circuit 211. In the configuration of Fig. 5C, power supply unit 222 of receiver 220 may be configured with a replaceable battery as in Fig. 5A.

[0059] In the example of FIG. 5D, the second circuit 225 and switch 227 of the receiver 220 in the configuration of FIG. 1 are omitted, and an operation unit 101 is provided in the switch 100. The operation unit 101 switches the switch 100 between an on state and an off state based on a user's operation. In this manner, the power supply state of the wiring 1 may be switched by directly operating the switch 100 without going through the receiver 220. In the configuration of FIG. 5D, the power supply unit 222 of the receiver 220 may be configured with a replaceable battery as shown in FIG. 5A. Also, in the configuration of FIG. 5D, the switch 214 of the transmitter 210 may be configured with a self-power-generating switch 214 as shown in FIG. 5B, or a configuration in which the L side (ungrounded side) and N side (grounded side) are connected to the transmission circuit 211 so that power is supplied directly as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0060] In the example of Fig. 5E, the connection terminal at one end (the end on the left side in Fig. 1) of the branching circuit 3 in the configuration of Fig. 1 is omitted. Such a configuration can be similarly applied to any other modified examples such as Figs. 5A to 5D.

[0061] In the example of Fig. 5F, the branching circuit 3 in the configuration of Fig. 1 is omitted. The switch 100 remains in a state where it changes between an on state and an off state via the receiver 220. This configuration can be similarly applied to any other modified examples such as Figs. 5A to 5D.

[0062] In the example of Fig. 5G, a monitor M is added to the transmitter 210 and receiver 220 in the configuration of Fig. 1. The monitor M is for displaying the remaining charge of a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery that constitutes the power supply units 212, 222, and can be configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or the like, but is not limited to this. The monitor M of the transmitter 210 is connected in parallel to the power supply unit 212, and the monitor M of the receiver 220 is connected in parallel to the power supply unit 222. This configuration can also be applied to at least one of the transmitter 210 and the receiver 220 in any other modified examples such as Figs. 5A to 5F.

[0063] In the example of Fig. 5H, the transmission circuit 211 of the transmitter 210 in the configuration of Fig. 1 is provided with terminals on the L side (non-grounded side) and the N side (grounded side), so that the storage battery constituting the power supply unit 212 can be charged. Power can be supplied to the terminals from any power source, such as solar power generation, as well as from a general power source. This configuration can also be applied to the transmitter 210 in any other modified example such as Fig. 5A, 5D to 5F, etc.

[0064] In the example of Fig. 5I, receiving circuit 221 of receiver 220 in the configuration of Fig. 1 does not include drive unit 223, and is configured to directly operate switch 100. Specifically, switch 100 can be used as a solenoid core and operated by electromagnetic force. Such a configuration can also be applied to receiver 220 in any other modified example such as Figs. 5A to 5H.

[0065] In the example of FIG. 5J, the second circuit 225 and switch 227 of the receiver 220 in the configuration of FIG. 5I are omitted, and an operation unit 101 is provided in the switch 100. The operation unit 101 switches the switch 100 between an ON state and an OFF state based on a user's operation. In this manner, the power supply state of the wiring 1 may be switched by directly operating the switch 100 without going through the receiver 220. In the configuration of FIG. 5J, the power supply unit 222 of the receiver 220 may be configured with a replaceable battery as in FIG. 5A. Also, in the configuration of FIG. 5J, the switch 214 of the transmitter 210 may be configured with a self-power-generating switch 214 as in FIG. 5B, or a configuration in which the L side (ungrounded side) and N side (grounded side) are connected to the transmission circuit 211 so that power is supplied directly as in FIG. 5C.

[0066] In the example of FIG. 5K, frequency switches 216 and 229 are added to the transmitter 210 and receiver 220 of the configuration of FIG. 1. Specifically, a frequency switch 216 is provided in the transmission circuit 211 of the transmitter 210, and a frequency switch 229 is provided in the first circuit 224 of the receiver 220. By operating the frequency switches 216 and 229, the frequency of the radio waves transmitted from the transmitter 210 and the frequency of the radio waves received by the receiver 220 can be adjusted. By matching these frequencies, the radio waves transmitted from the transmitter 210 can be received by the receiver 220. Each frequency switch 216 and 229 can be switched to any frequency or multiple frequency levels, but the structure and type of each switch are not particularly limited. This configuration can also be applied to at least one of the transmitter 210 and the receiver 220 in any other modified examples such as those shown in FIGS. 5A to 5J.

[0067] 1-6. When there are multiple loads 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an example of installation of the switch system S when there are multiple loads R. Although the case where there is one load R has been explained in FIG. 1, the switch system S can also be applied to multiple loads R. Here, the case where there are two loads R will be explained, but the switch system S can also be applied when there are three or more loads R.

[0068] In the example of FIG. 6A, two loads R (load R1 and load R2) are provided as in the configuration of FIG. 1. Loads R1 and R2 are connected to the N side (grounded side) via a common wiring 2. Load R1 is connected to the L side (ungrounded side) via a switch 100. A three-way switch 5 is connected to load R2, and a four-way switch 6 is connected to the three-way switch 5, and a three-way switch 7 is connected to the four-way switch 6. One end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the branching circuit 3 of the receiver 220 is connected to the three-way switch 7.

[0069] As a result, the energization state of the load R1 can be switched by the switch 100, and the energization state of the load R2 can be switched by the three-way switch 5, the four-way switch 6, or the three-way switch 7. However, the number of three-way switches or four-way switches provided between the load R2 and the branching circuit 3 of the receiver 220 is not limited to the example in FIG. 6A.

[0070] In the example of Fig. 6B, two transmitters 210A, 210B and two receivers 220A, 220B are provided, and the three-way switch 7 in the example of Fig. 6A is replaced with receiver 220B. Furthermore, frequency changeover switches 216, 229 are added to each transmitter 210A, 210B and each receiver 220A, 220B, as in the example of Fig. 5K. By matching the frequencies of transmitter 210A and receiver 220A and matching the frequencies of transmitter 210B and receiver 220B to a different frequency, it is possible to receive radio waves transmitted from transmitter 210A only by receiver 220A, and receive radio waves transmitted from transmitter 210B only by receiver 220B.

[0071] However, instead of the three-way switch 7 in the example of Figure 6A, another switch (for example, three-way switch 5) may be replaced with receiver 220B, or three or more sets of transmitter 210 and receiver 220 may be provided.

[0072] Second Embodiment 2-1. Overall configuration of the switch system 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a switch system S according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This switch system S is for switching the energization state of a wiring 1 to which a load R is connected, and includes a main circuit 300, a sub-circuit 400, and a transceiver 200. An example of the load R is a light bulb installed in the entrance of a house, but the load is not limited to this, and the energization state of the wiring 1 to which various loads R are connected can be switched by the switch system S.

[0073] A wiring 1 connected to a load R is electrically connected to the L side (ungrounded side) via a logic circuit constituting a main circuit 300. In addition to the wiring 1, a wiring 2 electrically connected to the N side (grounded side) is also connected to the load R, and the switch system S is applied to the wiring 1 on the L side (ungrounded side). Specifically, the main circuit 300 is electrically connected to the L side (ungrounded side) via a sub-circuit 400, and a branching circuit 3 provided separately from the wirings 1 and 2 connected to the load R is connected on the L side (ungrounded side) of the sub-circuit 400. Therefore, power supplied from the L side (ungrounded side) can be branched to the branching circuit 3.

[0074] The sub-circuit 400 includes a switch that can switch the main circuit 300 between an ON state and an OFF state by mechanical operation (displacement). The switch is, for example, a momentary switch. As a result, when the sub-circuit 400 is operated, power for switching is supplied to the main circuit 300, and the main circuit 300 is switched between an ON state in which the wiring 1 is connected to the L side (ungrounded side) via the branch circuit 3 and the main circuit 300, and an OFF state in which the wiring 1 is disconnected from the L side (ungrounded side). In other words, the main circuit 300 can switch the wiring 1 between an ON state and an OFF state. However, the sub-circuit 400 may also be configured as part of a logic circuit constituting the main circuit 300. Furthermore, the main circuit 300 and the sub-circuit 400, including the transceiver, may also be configured with a system for monitoring, notifying, or displaying the output state, power supply state, etc., and a system for switching the frequency of radio waves. The switch system S in this embodiment can also be used in a configuration in which a desired number of other switch systems S, three-way switches, or four-way switches are combined, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0075] The transceiver 200 switches the main circuit 300 between an ON state and an OFF state, and includes a transmitter 210 and a receiver 220. The transmitter 210 and the receiver 220 are provided separately from each other, and the main circuit 300 can be switched wirelessly by receiving radio waves transmitted from the transmitter 210 with the receiver 220. Examples of the radio wave method include the 2.4 GHz band or radio waves, but the present invention is not limited to these and any method can be used. In this embodiment, the receiver 220 is included in the main circuit 300. Note that the configuration and modifications of the transmitter 210 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] The receiver 220 is supplied with power from a power supply unit 222. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 222 is configured as a rechargeable storage battery. The power supply unit 222 configured as a storage battery may be connected to the logic circuit and charged when the main circuit 300 and the load R are energized. However, instead of power being supplied to the receiver 220 from the power supply unit 222 configured as a storage battery, power may be supplied directly by connecting the L side (ungrounded side) and N side (grounded side) to the receiver 220. The power supply unit 222 may be of a replaceable battery type, or may be of a direct power supply or self-power generating type, as in the first embodiment.

[0077] 2-2. Operation when operating the transmitter 8A to 8E are diagrams for explaining the operation when transmitter 210 of switch system S is operated.

[0078] When wiring 1 is in the OFF state as shown in Fig. 8A, if switch 214 of transmitter 210 is operated to turn transmission circuit 211 into the ON state as shown in Fig. 8B, radio waves are transmitted from transmitter 213. Then, as shown in Fig. 8C, receiver 220 receives the radio waves and switches the output destination of the logic circuit, switching wiring 1 from the OFF state to the ON state and starting the supply of electricity from main circuit 300 to load R. At this time, charging of power supply unit 222 may start.

[0079] When the power supply to the load R is to be stopped, as shown in FIG. 8D, the switch 214 of the transmitter 210 is operated to turn on the transmission circuit 211 again and cause the transmitter unit 213 to transmit radio waves. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8E, the receiver 220 receives the radio waves and switches the output destination of the logic circuit, switching the wiring 1 from the on state to the off state, and power supply from the main circuit 300 to the load R is stopped. At this time, charging to the power supply unit 222 is also stopped. In this way, each time the switch 214 of the transmitter 210 is operated, the main circuit 300 can be alternately switched between the on state and the off state. When power is being supplied from the branch circuit 3 to the load R, charging to the power supply unit 222 may be started.

[0080] 2-3. Operation when operating the sub-circuit 9A to 9E are diagrams for explaining the operation when the sub-circuit 400 of the switch system S is operated.

[0081] When the main circuit 300 is in the off state as shown in Fig. 9A, if the sub-circuit 400 is operated to supply power for a switching instruction to the main circuit 300 as shown in Fig. 9B, the output destination of the logic circuit is switched as shown in Fig. 9C. This switches the wiring 1 from the off state to the on state, and current begins to flow from the main circuit 300 to the load R. At this time, charging of the power supply unit 222 may begin.

[0082] When the power supply to the load R is stopped, the sub-circuit 400 is operated as shown in FIG. 9D to supply power for the switching instruction to the main circuit 300 again, and the output destination of the logic circuit is switched as shown in FIG. 9E. This switches the wiring 1 from the ON state to the OFF state, and the power supply from the main circuit 300 to the load R is stopped. At this time, charging to the power supply unit 222 is also stopped. In this way, each time the switch of the sub-circuit 400 is operated, the main circuit 300 can alternately switch the power supply to the wiring 1 between the ON state and the OFF state. When the power supply from the branch circuit 3 to the load R is in the ON state, charging to the power supply unit 222 may be started.

[0083] 2-4. Variations 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining modified examples of the switch system S. In these modified examples, the sub-circuit 400 may also be configured as a part of the logic circuit that configures the main circuit 300.

[0084] 10A, the sub-circuit 400 in FIG. 7 is configured with a touch panel 500. Therefore, when a user operates the touch panel 500, the main circuit 300 can switch between an on state and an off state with respect to the wiring 1. The touch panel 500 may be configured as a part of the logic circuit that configures the main circuit 300.

[0085] In the example of Fig. 10B, the switch 214 of the transmitter 210 in Fig. 7 is configured with a touch panel 215. Therefore, when a user operates the touch panel 215, radio waves can be transmitted from the transmission unit 213. In this case, the transmitter 210 can also be configured with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. Note that, in the first embodiment as well, the transmitter 210 can also be configured with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Wiring 2 Wiring 3 Branch Circuit 4 Charging circuit 5 Three-Way Switch 6 4-way switch 7 Three-way switch 100 Switches 101 Operation section 200 Transmitting and Receiving Device 210 Transmitter 211 Transmitting circuit 212 Power supply section 213 Transmitter 214 Switch 215 Touch Panel 216 Frequency selector switch 220 receiver 221 Receiving circuit 222 Power supply section 223 Drive Unit 224 1st circuit 225 2nd circuit 226 Actuator 227 Switch 229 Frequency selector switch 300 Main circuit 400 sub circuit 500 touch panel

Claims

1. A switch system for switching the energization state of wiring, a physical switch that can be displaced between an on state and an off state with respect to the wiring; a transmitting / receiving device for displacing the physical switch; The transmitting / receiving device a transmitter that transmits radio waves based on an operation by a user; a receiver that causes the physical switch to transition between an on state and an off state based on radio waves received from the transmitter.

2. 2. The switch system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver has a first circuit that is energized based on the radio waves received from the transmitter and that uses electromagnetic force to displace the physical switch between an on state and an off state.

3. The switch system according to claim 1 , wherein the receiver has an operation unit that switches the physical switch between an on state and an off state based on an operation by a user.

4. The switch system according to claim 3 , wherein the receiver includes a second circuit that is energized based on an operation on the operation unit and that uses electromagnetic force to shift the physical switch between an on state and an off state.

5. The switch system according to claim 1 , wherein the physical switch has an operation part that switches the physical switch between an on state and an off state based on an operation by a user.

6. 2. The switch system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver has a storage battery that is charged by power supplied from the wiring.

7. The switch system according to claim 1 , further comprising a branching circuit that is turned on by the physical switch when the physical switch is in an off state for the wiring.

8. A switch system for switching the energization state of wiring, a main circuit that can be switched between an on state and an off state with respect to the wiring; a transmitter that transmits radio waves based on an operation by a user; The main circuit includes a receiver that switches the main circuit between an on state and an off state based on radio waves received from the transmitter.

9. 9. The switch system of claim 8, further comprising a secondary circuit that switches the primary circuit between an on state and an off state.

10. 10. The switch system according to claim 9, further comprising a branch circuit that is turned on by the main circuit when the main circuit is in an off state with respect to the wiring.

11. A transceiver that switches a physical switch for switching the current-carrying state of a wiring between an on state and an off state, a transmitter that transmits radio waves based on an operation by a user; a receiver that changes the physical switch between an on state and an off state based on radio waves received from the transmitter.

12. A transceiver that switches a main circuit for switching the energization state of a wiring between an on state and an off state, a transmitter that transmits radio waves based on an operation by a user; a receiver that forms part of the main circuit and switches the main circuit between an on state and an off state based on radio waves received from the transmitter;

Images