Wiring devices and wiring device systems

Abstract

To provide a wiring device which enables easy change of functions.SOLUTION: A wiring device 20 includes: a converter circuit which converts alternating current power supplied from a power line to the wiring device 20 into direct current power; first terminals for outputting the alternating current power; a second terminal for outputting the direct current power; and a first housing. The first housing has a connection surface 22e provided with first connection parts for electrically connecting a function unit 30 to the first terminals and a second connection part for electrically connecting the function unit to the second terminal. The first housing is attached to a building part 50 so that the connection surface 22e is directed to the indoor side. When viewed from the indoor side, the connection surface 22e is located at the back side relative to an indoor side surface 50a of the building part 50. When the function unit 30 is attached to the wiring device 20, the wiring device 20 becomes invisible from the indoor side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiring device and a wiring device system including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a wiring device including a first connection portion to which an electric wire from an external power source is electrically connected, and a second connection portion to which a plug provided on an electric wire from an electric device is detachably connected. This wiring device includes, for example, a temperature measurement portion attached to at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a cutoff portion that electrically cuts off between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. When the wiring device described in Patent Document 1 determines that there is an abnormality based on the temperature detected by the temperature measurement portion, it turns off the contact in the cutoff portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to impart the function of the cutoff portion described in Patent Document 1 to an existing wiring device, it is necessary to replace the existing wiring device with the wiring device described in Patent Document 1. Generally, replacing a wiring device requires qualifications such as those of an electrician and is time-consuming.

[0005] The present invention provides a wiring device whose function (in other words, specification) can be easily changed, and a wiring device system including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A wiring device according to one aspect of the present invention is a wiring device attached to a building material, comprising: a converter circuit that converts AC power supplied to the wiring device from a power line to DC power; a first terminal for outputting the AC power; a second terminal for outputting the DC power; and a first housing that houses the converter circuit, the first terminal, and the second terminal, wherein the first housing has a connection surface provided with a first connection part for electrically connecting a functional unit to the first terminal and a second connection part for electrically connecting the functional unit to the second terminal, and is attached to the building material such that the connection surface faces the interior side, and when viewed from the interior side, the connection surface is located further back than the interior side surface of the building material, and when the functional unit is attached to the wiring device, the wiring device is not visible from the interior side.

[0007] A wiring device system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a wiring device and a functional unit detachably connected to the wiring device, wherein the functional unit comprises a second housing having a main surface facing the connection surface and being inserted into a recess with the connection surface as its bottom surface, and at least one of a first connection terminal provided on the main surface which is connected to the first terminal via the first connection portion, and a second connection terminal provided on the main surface which is connected to the second terminal via the second connection portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a wiring device whose function can be easily changed, and a wiring device system equipped therewith, are realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the wiring device system according to the embodiment attached to a building material. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the wiring device system according to the embodiment, with the functional unit removed from the wiring device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a front view and a top view of a wiring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a wiring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wiring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front-view perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as an AC outlet. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear-view perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as an AC outlet. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front-view perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as a DC outlet. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a rear-view perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as a DC outlet. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a front-view perspective view of a functional unit for a wiring device system according to an embodiment, which functions as an integrated outlet. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a rear-view perspective view of a functional unit for a wiring device system according to an embodiment, which functions as an integrated outlet. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a front-view perspective view of a functional unit for a wiring device system according to an embodiment, which functions as a display device. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a rear-view perspective view of a functional unit for a wiring device system according to an embodiment, which functions as a display device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as a display device. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as a touch switch. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wiring device system according to a modification example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. All of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept are described as optional components.

[0011] Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown precisely. In each figure, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified. In the following embodiments, the expressions "substantially" or "approximately" also include manufacturing errors, dimensional tolerances, and the like.

[0012] In the drawings used in the following embodiments, coordinate axes may be shown. The Z-axis direction is described as the vertical direction. The Z-axis + side may be expressed as the upper side (upward), and the Z-axis - side may be expressed as the lower side (downward). Also, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are directions perpendicular to each other on a plane (for example, a horizontal plane) perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis + side may be expressed as the front side (front), and the Y-axis - side may be expressed as the rear side (rear). In the following embodiments, a plan view means viewing from the Y-axis direction.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Outline of Wiring Device System] Hereinafter, the outline of the wiring device system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the wiring device system according to the embodiment is attached to a building material. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wiring device system according to the embodiment when the functional unit is removed from the wiring device.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wiring device system 10 according to the embodiment includes a wiring device 20 and a functional unit 30. The wiring device system 10 is used as a device (or equipment) having a function corresponding to the functional unit by connecting the functional unit to the wiring device 20.

[0015] For example, the wiring device system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 functions as an AC outlet when the functional unit 30 is connected to the wiring device 20. Further, the wiring device system 10 can be used as a device having a function other than an AC outlet when any one of the functional units 30a to 30d described later is selectively connected to the wiring device 20.

[0016] The wiring device 20 is embedded and installed in a building material 50 (such as a wall material, but may also be a ceiling material, etc.) of a building such as a house by an electrical engineer or the like. The wiring device 20 has a converter circuit 24 inside that converts the AC power supplied from the power line to the wiring device 20 into DC power. Further, the wiring device 20 includes first terminals 25a to 25c for outputting the AC power supplied from the power line as it is, a second terminal for outputting the DC power obtained from the converter circuit 24, and a third terminal for outputting the signal acquired by the wiring device 20 from the signal line. With these three types of terminals, the wiring device 20 has the ability to provide three types of resources, namely DC power, AC power, and signals, to the functional unit.

[0017] For example, when the functional unit 30 is connected to the wiring device 20, the wiring device 20 supplies AC power to the functional unit 30, and thus the wiring device system 10 functions as an AC outlet. Also, when the functional unit 30a described later is connected to the wiring device 20, the wiring device 20 supplies DC power to the functional unit 30, and thus the wiring device system 10 functions as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) outlet (i.e., a DC outlet).

[0018] Here, the method for connecting the functional unit 30 to the wiring device 20 is simplified. For example, a user can easily connect the functional unit 30 to the wiring device 20 simply by pushing it into the wiring device 20 so that the first connection terminal of the functional unit 30 fits into the connection part, or by pushing it in and then rotating it. Furthermore, for functional units such as the functional unit 30a described later, the functional unit 30 can be easily connected to the wiring device 20 simply by pushing it into the wiring device 20 so that the second connection terminal of the functional unit 30a fits into the connection part. In this way, the replacement of functional units is possible even for general users who do not have qualifications such as an electrician's license.

[0019] Furthermore, in the wiring device system 10, the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located further back than the interior-facing surface 50a of the building material 50. The designer of the functional unit can utilize the space gained by the rearward positioning of the connection surface 22e to design the functional unit. In other words, the configuration in which the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located further back than the interior-facing surface 50a of the building material 50 increases the design flexibility of the functional unit. For example, the second housing of the functional unit (described later) can be placed further back than the interior-facing surface 50a of the building material 50, thereby reducing the volume of the portion of the entire functional unit that is located further inside than the interior-facing surface 50a.

[0020] Furthermore, for example, in the case of the wiring device 20, since the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located further back than the interior side surface 50a of the building material, the connection surface 22e can be protected from damage due to physical contact and the accumulation of dirt, compared to the case where the connection surface 22e is located further inward than the interior side surface 50a, or at the same position as the interior side surface 50a.

[0021] [Configuration of Wiring Devices] Next, the configuration of the wiring device 20 will be described. Figure 3(a) is a front view of the wiring device 20, and Figure 3(b) is a top view of the wiring device 20. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the wiring device 20. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring device 20.

[0022] The wiring device 20 is attached to a wiring box 60 (shown in Figure 4; also called a switch box, etc.) which is installed in a recess provided in the building material 50. The wiring box 60 is a rectangular box with an open front, and is made of, for example, a metal material.

[0023] The wiring device 20 specifically comprises a first housing 21, a converter circuit 24, first terminals 25a to 25c, a connector 26, and a terminal housing 27.

[0024] The first housing 21 houses the converter circuit 24, first terminals 25a to 25c, connector 26, and terminal housing section 27. The first housing 21 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing and is formed from a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. The first housing 21 includes a front housing 22 and a rear housing 23.

[0025] The front housing 22 covers the converter circuit 24, the first terminals 25a to 25c, the connector 26, and the terminal housing 27 from the front, while the rear housing 23 covers these components from the rear. The front housing 22 and the rear housing 23 engage with each other by fitting openings 22g provided in four locations on the front housing 22 into projections 23g provided in four locations on the outer surface of the rear housing 23. Note that the relationship between the projections and openings may be reversed, and the projections may be provided on the front housing 22 and the openings on the rear housing 23.

[0026] The front housing 22 has a connection surface 22e on which first connection parts 22a to 22c for electrically connecting the functional unit 30 to first terminals 25a to 25c, and a second connection part 22d for electrically connecting the functional unit 30 to a second terminal. The wiring device 20 (in other words, the first housing 21) is attached to the building material 50 via a wiring box 60 so that the connection surface 22e faces the interior.

[0027] The first connection portions 22a to 22c are openings provided on the connection surface 22e, into which the first connection terminals 32a to 32c (described later) of the functional unit 30 are inserted. The first connection portions 22a to 22c are arranged at equal pitches on a circumference centered on the position of the axis of rotation when the functional unit 30 is mounted. Note that it is not essential that the first connection portions 22a to 22c are openings; they only need to be structures for electrically connecting the functional unit 30 to the first terminals 25a to 25c.

[0028] The second connection portion 22d is an opening provided on the connection surface 22e, and for example, the connector 26 is exposed to the outside from the second connection portion 22d. It is not essential that the second connection portion 22d be an opening; the second connection portion 22d can be any structure that allows for the electrical connection of a functional unit 30a, etc., described later, to the connector 26.

[0029] Furthermore, the front surface of the front housing 22 is provided with a recess 22f with the connection surface 22e as its bottom surface. The recess 22f is a flattened cylindrical shape into which the second housing 31 of the functional unit 30 is inserted.

[0030] A wiring connection section 23a (see Figure 3(b) in particular) is provided on the upper rear side of the rear enclosure 23. The wiring connection section 23a is a connection structure that includes terminals to which wiring is connected. A pair of AC power lines, a ground line, and a signal line, which are drawn out from the building side (building materials 50, etc.), are connected to the wiring connection section 23a, and these wires are electrically connected to the circuit board 24a that constitutes the converter circuit 24 via the wiring connection section 23a.

[0031] The converter circuit 24 is an AC-DC conversion circuit that converts AC power supplied to the wiring device 20 from a pair of AC power lines into DC power. The converter circuit 24 is realized by mounting circuit components 24b on a circuit board 24a which has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The circuit board 24a is also provided with wiring patterns for transmitting AC power obtained from the AC power lines to the connector 26, and wiring patterns for transmitting signals obtained from the signal lines to the connector 26. The circuit board 24a is arranged, for example, with the component mounting side facing the rear and the solder side facing the front. The connector 26 and terminal housing section 27 are provided on the solder side of the circuit board 24a.

[0032] Connector 26 is a connection structure for outputting DC power obtained from the converter circuit 24 and signals obtained from the signal lines to the functional unit 30. Specifically, connector 26 includes a second terminal 26a for converting AC power supplied from the power line into DC power for output, and a third terminal 26b for outputting signals acquired by the wiring device 20 from the signal lines. The second terminal 26a and the third terminal 26b are formed from a metal material such as copper. Connector 26 is, for example, a connector compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but it may be a connector compliant with other standards, or it may be a dedicated connector for the wiring device system 10.

[0033] The terminal housing section 27 is a structure for housing the first terminals 25a to 25c. The terminal housing section 27 is formed from a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. The terminal housing section 27 has three recesses, and the first terminals 25a to 25c housed in the three recesses are held at equal pitches on a circumference centered on the position of the axis of rotation when the functional unit 30 is attached. As a result, in a plan view, the arrangement of the first connection sections 22a to 22c and the arrangement of the first terminals 25a to 25c overlap.

[0034] Each of the first terminals 25a to 25c is formed of a metal material such as copper. Two of the first terminals 25a to 25c are electrically connected to a pair of AC power lines via the wiring connection part 23a. As a result, two of the first terminals 25a to 25c can output AC power to the functional unit 30 via the first connection terminals electrically connected to them. In addition, one of the first terminals 25a to 25c is connected to an earth wire via the wiring connection part 23a. As a result, one of the first terminals 25a to 25c can provide an earth potential to the functional unit 30 via the first connection terminal electrically connected to it. The first terminals 25a to 25c of the wiring device 20 may be connected so as to be in contact with the first connection terminals of the functional unit 30.

[0035] Incidentally, the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located further back than the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50. The position of the connection surface 22e will be explained below with reference to Figure 5. Note that the positional relationship shown in Figure 5 is just an example and is not mandatory.

[0036] When the wiring device 20 is attached to the wiring box 60, the distance y1 from the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50 to the frontmost edge of the wiring device 20 is shorter than the distance y2 from the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50 to the frontmost edge of the wiring box 60. In other words, the wiring device 20 is located slightly in front of (interior side of) the wiring box 60.

[0037] Furthermore, the distance y3 from the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50 to the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is longer than the above-mentioned distance y2, and shorter than the distance y4 from the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50 to the rearmost surface of the wiring box 60. In other words, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, the connection surface 22e is located inside the wiring box 60.

[0038] [Configuration of Functional Units] Next, the configuration of the functional unit 30 will be described. Figure 6 is an external perspective view of the functional unit 30 as seen from the front. Figure 7 is an external perspective view of the functional unit 30 as seen from the rear (in other words, the back) side.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the functional unit 30 comprises a second housing 31, first connection terminals 32a to 32c, and a cover 33.

[0040] The second housing 31 is, for example, a cylindrical housing. The second housing 31 has a main surface 31a facing the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20. The main surface 31a is provided with first connection terminals 32a to 32c for the functional unit 30 to receive AC power from the wiring device 20. The first connection terminals 32a to 32c are electrically connected to first terminals 25a to 25c. The first connection terminals 32a to 32c are arranged at equal pitches on a circumference centered on the position of the axis of rotation when the functional unit 30 is mounted, for example. Each of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c is made of a metal material such as copper. Also, each of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c has an L-shaped bend at its tip (in other words, it is bent in an L-shape).

[0041] Inside the second housing 31 are various terminals for outputting AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 32a to 32c to the AC supply unit 34 provided on the cover 33.

[0042] A cover 33 is positioned on the side of the second housing 31 opposite to the main surface 31a. The cover 33 is rectangular in shape and is made of, for example, a resin material. The cover 33 is provided with an AC power supply unit 34 (more specifically, a plug socket) for supplying AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 32a to 32c to the load. When the functional unit 30 is attached to the wiring device 20, the cover 33 makes the wiring device 20 invisible from the interior side. In other words, when viewed from the interior side, the wiring device 20 is covered by the cover 33. The cover 33 is in contact with, for example, the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50.

[0043] The functional unit 30 is detachably connected to the wiring device 20. The method for connecting the functional unit 30 to the wiring device 20 will be described below.

[0044] Each of the first connection portions 22a to 22c provided on the first housing 21 of the wiring device 20 includes a wide portion. When the first connection terminal 32a is inserted into the wide portion of the first connection portion 22a, the first connection terminal 32b is inserted into the wide portion of the first connection portion 22b, and the first connection terminal 32c is inserted into the wide portion of the first connection portion 22c, the second housing 31 of the functional unit 30 is inserted into the recess 22f of the wiring device 20. When the functional unit 30 is rotated clockwise to its end in this state, the first connection terminals 32a to 32c are electrically connected to the first terminals 25a to 25c.

[0045] Furthermore, when the first connection terminals 32a to 32c are electrically connected to the first terminals 25a to 25c, the L-shaped cross-section of the tips of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c catches on the surrounding area of ​​the first connection parts 22a to 22c, making it impossible to remove the functional unit 30 from the wiring device 20 simply by pulling the functional unit 30 forward. In the wiring device system 10 that functions as an AC outlet, it is assumed that a load (such as a power plug) will be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the AC supply unit 34. The L-shaped configuration of the tips of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c is useful as a mechanism to prevent the functional unit 30 from falling out when the load is removed from the AC supply unit 34.

[0046] To disconnect the functional unit 30 from the wiring device 20, rotate the functional unit 30 counterclockwise to the end and then pull it out.

[0047] In this way, the wiring device system 10, which is realized by connecting the functional unit 30 to the wiring device 20, can function as an AC outlet.

[0048] [Another example of a functional unit 1] The wiring device system 10 can also function as a device other than an AC outlet by connecting another functional unit to the wiring device 20. The wiring device system 10 can also function as a DC outlet (for example, a USB outlet or USB port). Figure 8 is a front-view perspective view of the functional unit for making the wiring device system 10 function as a DC outlet. Figure 9 is a rear-view perspective view of the functional unit for making the wiring device system 10 function as a DC outlet.

[0049] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the functional unit 30a comprises a second housing 31, a connector 36, and a cover 33a.

[0050] The second housing 31 is a cylindrical housing. A connector 36 is provided on the main surface 31a of the second housing 31 for the functional unit 30 to receive DC power from the wiring device 20. The connector 36 is electrically connected to the connector 26. The connector 36 includes a second connection terminal 36a and a third connection terminal 36b.

[0051] Inside the second housing 31 are various terminals for outputting DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a) to the DC supply unit 37 provided on the cover 33a.

[0052] A cover 33a is positioned on the side of the second housing 31 opposite the main surface 31a. The cover 33a is rectangular in shape and is made of, for example, a resin material. The cover 33a is provided with a DC supply unit 37 (more specifically, a USB device socket) for supplying DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 to the load. In Figure 8, the cover 33a is shown to have two DC supply units 37, but at least one is sufficient. When the functional unit 30 is attached to the wiring device 20, the cover 33a hides the wiring device 20 from view from the inside. In other words, when viewed from the inside, the wiring device 20 is covered by the cover 33a.

[0053] The functional unit 30a is detachably connected to the wiring device 20. Specifically, the functional unit 30a is connected to the wiring device 20 by being pushed toward the wiring device 20 so that the connector 36 and connector 26 are properly connected. In this state, the second connection terminal 36a of connector 36 is electrically connected to the second terminal 26a of connector 26, and the third connection terminal 36b of connector 36 is electrically connected to the third terminal 26b of connector 26. To disconnect the functional unit 30a from the wiring device 20, simply pull the functional unit 30a toward the interior of the room.

[0054] In this way, the wiring device system 10, realized by connecting the functional unit 30a to the wiring device 20, can function as a DC outlet. Since there is no need to provide a converter circuit in the functional unit 30a to convert AC power to DC power, the design flexibility of the functional unit 30a can be increased while realizing the function as a DC outlet.

[0055] [Another example of a functional unit 2] The wiring device system 10 can function as both an AC outlet and a DC outlet (hereinafter also referred to as functioning as an integrated outlet). Figure 10 is a front-view perspective view of the functional unit for the wiring device system 10 to function as an integrated outlet. Figure 11 is a rear-view perspective view of the functional unit for the wiring device system 10 to function as an integrated outlet.

[0056] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the functional unit 30b comprises a second housing 31, a connector 36, first connection terminals 38a to 38c, and a cover 33b.

[0057] The second housing 31 is a cylindrical housing. The main surface 31a of the second housing 31 is provided with first connection terminals 38a to 38c for the functional unit 30 to receive AC power from the wiring device 20. The first connection terminals 38a to 38c have the same configuration as the first connection parts 22a to 22c, except that their tips are not bent. The main surface 31a is also provided with a connector 36 for the functional unit 30 to receive DC power from the wiring device 20.

[0058] The second housing 31 houses various terminals for outputting AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 38a to 38c to the AC supply unit 34, and various terminals for outputting DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 to the DC supply unit 37.

[0059] A cover 33b is positioned on the side of the second housing 31 opposite to the main surface 31a. The cover 33b is rectangular in shape and is made of, for example, a resin material. The cover 33b is provided with an AC supply unit 34 for supplying AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 38a to 38c to the load, and a DC supply unit 37 for supplying DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a) to the load. When the functional unit 30 is attached to the wiring device 20, the wiring device 20 is no longer visible from the interior. In other words, when viewed from the interior, the wiring device 20 is covered by the cover 33b.

[0060] The functional unit 30b is detachably connected to the wiring device 20. Specifically, the functional unit 30b is connected to the wiring device 20 by being pushed toward the wiring device 20 so that connector 36 and connector 26, and first connection terminals 32a to 32c and first terminals 25a to 25c are electrically connected. In the functional unit 30b, the first connection terminals 38a to 38c are positioned so that they are electrically connected to the first terminals 25a to 25c simply by being pushed toward the wiring device 20, even without the functional unit 30b being rotated. To disconnect the functional unit 30b from the wiring device 20, the functional unit 30b should be pulled out toward the interior of the room.

[0061] In this way, the wiring device system 10, realized by connecting the functional unit 30b to the wiring device 20, can function as an integrated outlet. Since there is no need to provide a converter circuit in the functional unit 30b to convert AC power to DC power, the design flexibility of the functional unit 30b can be increased while realizing the function of an integrated outlet.

[0062] [Another example of a functional unit 3] The wiring device system 10 can also function as a display device. Figure 12 is a front-view perspective view of the functional unit for enabling the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device. Figure 13 is a rear-view perspective view of the functional unit for enabling the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the functional unit for enabling the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device.

[0063] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the functional unit 30c comprises a second housing 31, a connector 36, and a cover 33c.

[0064] A display control unit 39 is provided inside the second housing 31. The display control unit 39 uses DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a) to control the display of an image on the display unit 40. The display control unit 39 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer and memory.

[0065] The display unit 40 is located on the cover 33c and displays an image using DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a). The display unit 40 is implemented by a display panel such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel or a liquid crystal panel.

[0066] The image displayed by the display unit 40 is not particularly limited. The display unit 40 may, for example, display an image that has been pre-stored in the memory. The display unit 40 may also communicate with other devices in the building where the wiring device system 10 is installed via the third connection terminals 36b and 26b included in the connector 36, and display an image based on this communication. The display unit 40 may also display, for example, the power consumption of other devices.

[0067] In this way, the wiring device system 10, realized by connecting the functional unit 30c to the wiring device 20, can function as a display device. When displaying an image using DC power from the wiring device 20, there is no need to provide a converter circuit in the functional unit 30c to convert AC power to DC power, thus increasing the design flexibility of the functional unit 30c while realizing the function as a display device.

[0068] Furthermore, the cover 33c of the functional unit 30c may be provided with the display unit 40, as well as an AC power supply unit for supplying AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load, or a DC power supply unit for supplying DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load.

[0069] In this case, information related to the operating status of the equipment, such as the power consumption of other equipment connected to the AC supply unit or DC supply unit, may be displayed.

[0070] [Another example of a functional unit 4] The wiring device system 10 can also function as a touch switch for equipment such as lighting fixtures. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a functional unit for making the wiring device system 10 function as a touch switch.

[0071] The appearance of the functional unit 30d is the same as that of the functional unit 30c, and therefore is not shown in the illustration. The cover of the functional unit 30d is provided with a detection unit 41. The detection unit 41 detects user operation using DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a). Specifically, the detection unit 41 is implemented by a touch panel or a hardware switch.

[0072] Furthermore, a wireless communication circuit 42 is provided inside the second housing of the functional unit 30d. The wireless communication circuit 42 communicates with the controlled device using DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a). Specifically, the wireless communication circuit 42 transmits a control signal to control the device based on the operation detected by the detection unit 41. If the controlled device is a lighting device, the wireless communication circuit 42 transmits a control signal to the lighting device each time a user tap operation is detected by the touchscreen, for example. As a result, the lighting device is switched on and off each time the user performs a tap operation.

[0073] In this way, the wiring device system 10, realized by connecting the functional unit 30d to the wiring device 20, can function as a touch switch. When communicating with a controlled object using DC power from the wiring device 20, there is no need to provide a converter circuit in the functional unit 30d to convert AC power to DC power, thus increasing the design flexibility of the functional unit 30d while realizing the function as a touch switch.

[0074] The functional unit 30d may further include a display control unit 39 and a display unit 40. In this case, the display unit 40 of the functional unit 30d can display images of buttons (operated areas) and the control status of the equipment (for example, the lighting status of a lighting device).

[0075] Furthermore, the cover of the functional unit 30d may be provided with a touch switch function, as well as an AC power supply unit for supplying AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load, or a DC power supply unit for supplying DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load.

[0076] [Differentiation] The following describes a modified wiring device system. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the modified wiring device system. As shown in Figure 16, the modified wiring device system 110 comprises a wiring device 120 and a functional unit 130.

[0077] First, let's describe the wiring device 120. The wiring device 120 includes a communication unit 121, a power control unit 122, a converter circuit 123, a first terminal 124, a second terminal 125, and a third terminal 126. The first terminal 124 has a configuration similar to, for example, the first terminals 25a to 25c. The second terminal 125 has a configuration similar to, for example, the second terminal 26a, and the third terminal 126 has a configuration similar to, for example, the third terminal 26b. In the wiring device 120, the third terminal 126 does not need to be connected to a signal line via a wiring connection.

[0078] Although not shown in the figures, the wiring device 120 includes a first housing that houses a communication unit 121, a power control unit 122, a converter circuit 123, a first terminal 124, a second terminal 125, and a third terminal 126. This first housing has the same configuration as, for example, the first housing 21 in the above embodiment.

[0079] The communication unit 121 receives voltage information from the functional unit 130 (functional section 134) via the third terminal 126, which indicates the voltage amplitude of the power required for the functional unit 130 to operate. Specifically, the communication unit 121 is a communication circuit.

[0080] The power control unit 122 controls the voltage amplitude of the power output from the converter circuit 123 based on the voltage information received by the communication unit 121. Specifically, the power control unit 122 causes the converter circuit 123 to output power having the voltage amplitude indicated by the voltage information. The power control unit 122 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer and memory.

[0081] The converter circuit 123 outputs power having a voltage amplitude instructed by the power control unit 122 to the second terminal 125. The converter circuit 123 includes an AC-DC converter circuit that converts AC power supplied from an AC power line into DC power having different voltage amplitudes from each other, and a plurality of DC-DC converter circuits that convert the DC power output from this AC-DC converter circuit into DC power having different voltage amplitudes from each other. The converter circuit 123 selectively outputs power from one of the plurality of DC-DC converter circuits according to the instructions of the power control unit 122.

[0082] Next, the functional unit 130 will be described. The functional unit 130 includes a second connection terminal 131, a third connection terminal 132, a communication unit 133, and a functional unit 134. The second connection terminal 131 has a configuration similar to, for example, the second connection terminal 36a, and the third connection terminal 132 has a configuration similar to, for example, the third connection terminal 36b.

[0083] When the third connection terminal 132 is connected to the third terminal 126, establishing communication with the communication unit 121, the communication unit 133 uses this as a trigger to transmit voltage information to the communication unit 121. Specifically, the communication unit 133 is a communication circuit. The communication unit 133 may operate on DC power supplied from the wiring device 120, or it may operate on a battery independently of the wiring device 120.

[0084] The functional unit 134 operates using the DC power obtained via the second connection terminal 36a as a result of the communication unit 133 transmitting voltage information. The functional unit 134 is, for example, the display unit or detection unit described above.

[0085] As described above, the wiring device system 110 can adaptively supply DC power suitable for the operation of the functional unit 30 from the wiring device 120 to the functional unit 130. Note that the transmission and reception of voltage information may be performed without using the third connection terminals 132 and 126. For example, the transmission and reception of voltage information may be performed by short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0086] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the wiring device 20 is a wiring device attached to the building material 50. The wiring device 20 comprises a converter circuit 24 that converts AC power supplied to the wiring device 20 from a power line into DC power, first terminals 25a to 25c for outputting AC power, a second terminal 26a for outputting DC power, and a first housing 21 that houses the converter circuit 24, the first terminals 25a to 25c, and the second terminal 26a. The first housing 21 has a connection surface 22e on which first connection parts 22a to 22c for electrically connecting a functional unit to the first terminals 25a to 25c and a second connection part 22d for electrically connecting a functional unit to the second terminal 26a, and is attached to the building material 50 such that the connection surface 22e faces the interior. When viewed from the interior, the connection surface 22e is located further back than the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50.

[0087] Such wiring devices 20 can be easily modified in function by replacing the functional unit. Furthermore, the designer of the functional unit can design the functional unit by utilizing the space obtained when the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located behind the interior side surface 50a of the building material 50. In other words, the configuration in which the connection surface of the wiring device 20 is located behind the interior side surface of the building material increases the design flexibility of the functional unit.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, the wiring device 20 is further provided with a third terminal 26b for outputting a signal acquired by the wiring device 20 from a signal line. The connection surface 22e of the first housing 21 is provided with a third connection part for connecting a functional unit to the third terminal. In the above embodiment, the second connection part 22d also serves as the third connection part, but a third connection part may be provided separately from the second connection part.

[0089] Such wiring devices 20 can easily enable communication between other devices and the functional unit by having the signal lines pre-connected to other devices.

[0090] Furthermore, the wiring device system 10 includes a wiring device 20 and a functional unit that is detachably connected to the wiring device 20. The functional unit includes a second housing 31 having a main surface 31a facing the connection surface 22e and inserted into a recess 22f with the connection surface 22e as its bottom surface, and at least one of first connection terminals 32a to 32c provided on the main surface 31a that are connected to first terminals 25a to 25c via a first connection portion 22a, and a second connection terminal 36a provided on the main surface 31a that is connected to a second terminal 26a via a second connection portion 22d.

[0091] Such a wiring device system 10 can be easily modified in function by replacing the functional unit.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, the functional unit is further equipped with a cover (covers 33, 33a-33c, etc.) located on the opposite side of the main surface 31a, so that when viewed from the indoor side, the wiring device 20 is covered by the cover.

[0093] Such a wiring device system 10 can protect the wiring device 20 with a cover and improve the aesthetic appearance of the wiring device system 10.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, the functional unit 30 is equipped with first connection terminals 32a to 32c. The cover 33 is provided with an AC power supply unit 34 for supplying AC power obtained via the first connection terminals 32a to 32c to a load.

[0095] Such a functional unit 30 can enable the wiring device system 10 to function as an AC outlet.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, the functional unit 30a is equipped with a second connection terminal 36a. The cover 33a is provided with a DC supply unit 37 for supplying DC power obtained via the second connection terminal 36a to the load.

[0097] Such a functional unit 30a can enable the wiring device system 10 to function as a DC outlet.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, the functional unit 30b includes both first connection terminals 32a to 32c and a second connection terminal 36a. The cover 33b is provided with an AC supply unit 34 for supplying AC power obtained via the first connection terminals 32a to 32c to the load, and a DC supply unit 37 for supplying DC power obtained via the second connection terminal 36a to the load.

[0099] Such a functional unit 30b can enable the wiring device system 10 to function as an integrated outlet.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, the functional unit 30c includes a second connection terminal 36a and a display unit 40 provided on the cover 33c that displays an image using DC power obtained through the second connection terminal 36a.

[0101] Such a functional unit 30c can enable the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, the functional unit 30d includes a second connection terminal 36a, a detection unit 41 provided on the cover of the functional unit 30d that detects user operations using DC power obtained through the second connection terminal 36a, and a wireless communication circuit 42 that operates using DC power obtained through the second connection terminal 36a, and transmits control signals for controlling the device based on the operations detected by the detection unit 41.

[0103] Such a functional unit 30d can enable the wiring device system 10 to function as a touch switch.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the wiring device 20 is a wiring device attached to a building material, and comprises a connection surface provided with a first connection part and a second connection part, a first terminal that outputs AC power to a connection terminal connected to the first connection part, and a second terminal that outputs DC power to a connection terminal connected to the second connection part, wherein the connection surface is located further back than the interior side surface of the building material.

[0105] In such a wiring device 20, if the connection surface of the wiring device 20 is located behind the interior side of the building material, the connection surface can be protected compared to the case where the connection surface is located inside the interior side of the interior side, or at the same position as the interior side.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, the wiring device system 10 comprises the aforementioned wiring device and a functional unit connected to the wiring device, the functional unit having a connection terminal connected to at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0107] Such a wiring device system 10, in which the connection surface of the wiring device 20 is located behind the interior side of the building material, can increase the design flexibility of the functional unit.

[0108] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0109] For example, in the above embodiment, the wiring device was equipped with an earth terminal (one of the three first terminals), but the earth terminal may be omitted. Also, the wiring device was equipped with a third terminal for outputting the signal acquired by the wiring device from the signal line, but the wiring device may not be equipped with a third terminal.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wiring device was equipped with a converter circuit, and the functional unit was not equipped with a converter circuit, but the functional unit may also be equipped with a DC-DC converter circuit.

[0111] Furthermore, the functions provided by the functional unit in the above embodiment are merely examples. Other functions include, for example, a speaker function and a lighting function. The functional unit having a lighting function may have a fluorescent lamp or the like as a light-emitting element and emit light using AC power obtained through the first connection terminal, or it may have an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like as a light-emitting element and emit light using DC power obtained through the second connection terminal.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, fixing members such as screws or adhesive tape may be used to firmly secure the functional unit to the building material or wiring device.

[0113] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0114] For example, the present invention may be implemented as one of the multiple types of functional units (functional units 30, 30a to 30d, 130) described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention also includes functional units implemented by combining two or more of the multiple types of functional units (functional units 30, 30a to 30d, 130) described in the above embodiments, and wiring systems equipped therewith. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10, 110 Wiring Device Systems 20, 120 Wiring Devices 21. First cabinet 22a~22c First connection section 22d Second connection (third connection) 22e Connection surface 22f recess 24, 123 Converter Circuit 25a~25c, 124 1st terminal 26a, 125 2nd terminal 26b, 126 3rd terminal 30, 30a~30d, 130 Functional Units 31 Second cabinet 31a Main surface 32a~32c, 38a~38c First connection terminal 33, 33a~33c Cover 34 AC supply section 36a, 131 Second connection terminal 36b, 132 Third connection terminal 37 DC supply section 40 Display section 41 Detection unit 42 Wireless communication circuit 50 Building materials 50a side 60 Wiring Box

Claims

1. Wiring device attached to building materials, A converter circuit that converts AC power supplied from a power line to the wiring device into DC power, The first terminal for outputting the aforementioned AC power, The second terminal for outputting the aforementioned DC power, The device comprises the converter circuit, the first terminal, and the first housing that houses the second terminal. The first housing has a connection surface provided with a first connection portion for electrically connecting a functional unit to the first terminal and a second connection portion for electrically connecting the functional unit to the second terminal, and is attached to the building material such that the connection surface faces the interior side. When viewed from the interior side, the innermost surface of the wiring device is located further back than the interior surface of the building material. When the functional unit is attached to the wiring device, the wiring device becomes invisible from the interior side. The aforementioned functional unit is equipped with connection terminals, The functional unit is connected to the wiring device by rotating it with the connection terminal inserted into the first connection portion. Wiring devices.

2. Furthermore, the wiring device is equipped with a third terminal for outputting a signal acquired from the signal line. The connection surface of the first housing is provided with a third connection portion for connecting the functional unit to the third terminal. Wiring device according to claim 1.

3. Wiring device according to claim 1 or 2, The system includes, in place of the aforementioned functional unit, another functional unit that is detachably connected to the aforementioned wiring device, The aforementioned other functional units are: A second housing having a main surface facing the aforementioned connection surface and being inserted into a recess with the aforementioned connection surface as its bottom surface, The device comprises at least one of a first connection terminal provided on the main surface, which is connected to the first terminal via the first connection portion, and a second connection terminal provided on the main surface, which is connected to the second terminal via the second connection portion. Wiring device system.

4. The other functional unit further comprises a cover located on the opposite side of the main surface, When viewed from the interior side, the wiring device is covered by the cover and therefore not visible from the interior side. The wiring device system according to claim 3.

5. The other functional unit is equipped with the first connection terminal, The cover is provided with an AC power supply unit for supplying the AC power obtained via the first connection terminal to a load. The wiring device system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned other functional unit is equipped with the second connection terminal, The cover is provided with a DC supply unit for supplying the DC power obtained via the second connection terminal to the load. The wiring device system according to claim 4.

7. The aforementioned other functional unit includes both the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. The cover is provided with an AC power supply unit for supplying the AC power obtained via the first connection terminal to the load, and a DC power supply unit for supplying the DC power obtained via the second connection terminal to the load. The wiring device system according to claim 4.

8. The aforementioned other functional units are: The second connection terminal and, The cover is provided with a display unit that displays an image using the DC power obtained via the second connection terminal. The wiring device system according to claim 4.

9. The aforementioned other functional units are: The second connection terminal and, A detection unit is provided in the cover, which detects user operation using the DC power obtained via the second connection terminal, A wireless communication circuit that operates using the DC power obtained via the second connection terminal, comprising a wireless communication circuit that transmits a control signal for controlling a device based on an operation detected by the detection unit. The wiring device system according to claim 4.

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