Wiring devices and load control systems

Abstract

To provide a wiring apparatus and a load control system capable of miniaturization.SOLUTION: A wiring apparatus 1 includes a first connection terminal 6A and a second connection terminal 6B, a switching part 11, a charging part 14, a charge detection part 15, and a control part 8. A series circuit 5 of an AC power supply 4 and a load 2 is connected to the first connection terminal 6A and the second connection terminal 6B. The switching part 11 is connected between the first connection terminal 6A and the second connection terminal 6B, and cuts off or conducts a power feeding path from the AC power supply 4 to the load 2. The charging part 14 is charged by a voltage between both terminals of the switching part 11. The charge detection part 15 detects a charge completion condition of the charging part 14. The control part 8 cuts off or conducts the power feeding path by controlling the switching part 11 based on timing at which the charge detection part 15 detects the charge completion condition of the charging part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wiring device and a load control system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a wiring device and a load control system that cut off or conduct a power supply path from a power source to a load. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a wiring device that is connected in series between an AC power source and a load, and includes a switching element that controls conduction and non-conduction between the AC power source and the load (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The wiring device described in Patent Document 1 controls the switching element with reference to a zero-cross point of an AC voltage supplied by the AC power source. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-47351 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the wiring device as described in Patent Document 1, the zero-cross point of the AC voltage is directly Since the detection unit that performs detection is required to have high withstand voltage performance, there has been a problem that the circuit configuration of the wiring device is complicated and the size of the wiring device increases.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a wiring device and a load control system that can be reduced in size. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A wiring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, a switching unit, a rectifier circuit, a charging unit, a charging detection unit, and a control unit. The first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are connected to a series circuit of an AC power source and a load. The switching unit is connected between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal and interrupts or conducts the power supply path from the AC power source to the load. The rectifier circuit is connected to both ends of the switching unit. The charging unit is charged by the voltage between both ends of the switching unit, which has been converted to a DC voltage by the rectifier circuit. The charging detection unit controls the charging unit The charging voltage exceeded a predetermined value. The charging completion state is detected. Based on the timing at which the charging detection unit detects the charging completion state of the charging unit, the control unit controls the switching unit to interrupt or open the power supply path. The charging voltage of the charging unit changes periodically due to the ripple remaining in the DC voltage.

[0007] A load control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the wiring device and a load connected in series with the wiring device to an AC power source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, there is an advantage in that wiring devices can be made smaller. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of a load control system equipped with wiring devices according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a timing chart showing the operation of the load control system described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of a load control system equipped with wiring devices according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of a load control system equipped with wiring devices according to Modification Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Wiring device 1 and load control system 3 according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Even outside of these embodiments and modifications, various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments (including modifications) described below may be implemented in appropriate combinations.

[0011] (1) Overview The following describes the wiring device 1 and the load control system 3 with reference to Figure 1.

[0012] The wiring device 1 comprises a first connection terminal 6A and a second connection terminal 6B, an opening / closing unit 11, a charging unit 14, a charging detection unit 15, and a control unit 8.

[0013] The first connection terminal 6A and the second connection terminal 6B are connected to a series circuit 5 consisting of an AC power supply 4 and a load 2.

[0014] The switching unit 11 is connected between the first connection terminal 6A and the second connection terminal 6B, and interrupts or opens the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2.

[0015] The charging unit 14 is charged by the voltage between the two ends of the switching unit 11.

[0016] The charging detection unit 15 detects when the charging unit 14 has completed charging.

[0017] The control unit 8 controls the switching unit 11 to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2, based on the timing when the charge detection unit 15 detects that the charging unit 14 is fully charged.

[0018] As used herein, the expression that two circuit elements are "connected" refers to a state in which the two circuit elements are electrically connected, and is not limited to a connection form in which the two circuit elements are directly connected, but may also include a connection form in which the two circuit elements are electrically connected via one or more other circuit elements.

[0019] The charging detection unit 15 that detects the full charge state of the charging unit 14 requires lower withstand voltage performance than a detection circuit that directly detects the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage supplied from the AC power supply 4, so the configuration of the charging detection unit 15 can be simplified. This enables size reduction of the wiring device 1.

[0020] Further, the wiring device 1 of the present embodiment constitutes a load control system 3 together with the load 2. In other words, the load control system 3 includes the wiring device 1 and the load 2. The load 2 is connected in series with the wiring device 1 to the AC power supply 4. Since the load control system 3 includes the wiring device 1 described above, size reduction can be achieved.

[0021] (2) Details Hereinafter, the wiring device 1 and the load control system 3 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (2.1) Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring device 1 includes a first connection terminal 6A and a second connection terminal 6B, an opening / closing unit 11, a charging unit 14, a charging detection unit 15, a control unit 8, a first rectifier circuit DB1, a second rectifier circuit DB2, a power supply circuit 7, and a switching element Q1. In the present embodiment, the wiring device 1 further includes a detection unit 9 that operates by receiving power supply from the power supply circuit 7. The detection unit 9 detects an operation performed by a person (for example, a user of the wiring device 1). The wiring device 1 further includes an input unit 16 that specifies the output level of the load 2.

[0023] The wiring device 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, a two-wire switch device used in a state of being embedded and disposed in a wall of a building or the like.

[0024] A series circuit 5 is connected between the first connection terminal 6A and the second connection terminal 6B, connecting an AC power supply 4, such as a commercial AC power supply, and a load 2 to be controlled. The load 2 is a lighting fixture having a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The wiring device 1 switches the connection state between the AC power supply 4 and the load 2 between a power supply state and a cutoff state, thereby turning the lighting fixture, which is the load 2, on or off. Note that the lighting fixture, which is the load 2, is not limited to one equipped with an LED as a light source, but may also be equipped with an organic light-emitting diode.

[0025] A switching unit 11 is connected between the first connection terminal 6A and the second connection terminal 6B via a low-pass filter circuit consisting of a capacitor C1 and an inductor L1. The switching unit 11 is, for example, a triac (hereinafter referred to as triac 11), which is a semiconductor switching element capable of interrupting or conducting bidirectional current.

[0026] The first rectifier circuit DB1 is, for example, a diode bridge circuit with four diodes connected in a bridge configuration. The pair of first input terminals t11A and t11B of the first rectifier circuit DB1 are connected to both ends (electrodes T1 and T2) of the triac 11, respectively. Specifically, the first input terminal t11A is connected to electrode T1 of the triac 11, and the first input terminal t11B is connected to electrode T2 of the triac 11.

[0027] The power supply circuit 7 is connected to a pair of first output terminals t12A and t12B of the first rectifier circuit DB1. The power supply circuit 7 includes, for example, a dropper circuit that steps down the input voltage from the first rectifier circuit DB1, and a DC-DC converter that converts the output voltage of the dropper circuit into a DC voltage of a predetermined value. The power supply circuit 7 generates a DC voltage of a predetermined value and supplies it to the control unit 8, the charge detection unit 15, and the detection unit 9, etc. In detail, the DC voltage of a predetermined value generated by the power supply circuit 7 charges the charging unit 14 connected downstream of the power supply circuit 7. In other words, the charging unit 14 is charged by the voltage across the triac 11 via the first rectifier circuit DB1 and the power supply circuit 7. The charged charging unit 14 supplies an operating voltage to the control unit 8, the charge detection unit 15, and the detection unit 9, etc. The charging unit 14 is, for example, a capacitive element such as a capacitor. Note that the power supply circuit 7 is not limited to one that includes a dropper circuit and a DC-DC converter, and the configuration of the power supply circuit 7 can be changed as appropriate.

[0028] The charge detection unit 15 detects when the charging unit 14 is fully charged. More specifically, when the charging unit 14 is charged and its charging voltage exceeds a predetermined value, the charge detection unit 15 outputs a voltage signal V1 with voltage value V1Lo to the control unit 8. Also, when the charging voltage of the charging unit 14 is less than the predetermined value, the charge detection unit 15 outputs a voltage signal V1 with a voltage value V1Hi (more specifically, a voltage value V1Hi higher than the voltage value V1Lo) to the control unit 8.

[0029] The second rectifier circuit DB2 is, for example, a diode bridge circuit formed by bridging four diodes. The pair of second input terminals t21A and t21B of the second rectifier circuit DB2 are connected to the ends of the triac 11, respectively, via a resistor R1. Specifically, the second input terminal t21A is connected to electrode T1 of the triac 11 via resistor R1, and the second input terminal t21B is connected to electrode T2 of the triac 11. Furthermore, the connection point between the second input terminal t21A and resistor R1 is connected to the gate electrode G of the triac 11 via resistor R2. A capacitor C2 is connected between the gate electrode G of the triac 11 and electrode T1.

[0030] Furthermore, a switch element Q1 is connected between the pair of second output terminals t22A and t22B of the second rectifier circuit DB2 via a resistor R3. The switch element Q1 is a semiconductor switch element, such as an N-channel MOSFET, and turns on or off in response to a control signal V2 input from the control unit 8. Here, a drive circuit for driving the triac 11 is formed from the switch element Q1, resistors R1 and R2, and capacitor C2, etc. Specifically, when the switch element Q1 is turned on (closed) from off (open state), current flows through the second rectifier circuit DB2 and the switch element Q1 to resistor R1, and the voltage generated across the ends of resistor R1 is applied to the gate electrode G of the triac 11 via resistor R2. When the voltage applied to the gate electrode G of the triac 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, the triac 11 switches from off to on.

[0031] The detection unit 9 includes, for example, a proximity detection sensor 10 that non-contactually detects operation by a person (e.g., a user of the wiring device 1). The proximity detection sensor 10 includes, for example, an IR sensor that detects infrared radiation emitted from the human body, and non-contactually detects when a part of the user's body approaches, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 8.

[0032] The input unit 16 has an operating unit, such as a knob, which is operated by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 8 that specifies the output level of the load 2 according to the amount of operation of the operating unit.

[0033] The control unit 8 primarily consists of a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The functions of the control unit 8 are realized when the computer system's processor executes a program stored in the computer system's memory. The program may be stored in memory, provided via telecommunication lines such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0034] The control unit 8 operates by being powered by the charging unit 14. This allows the control unit 8 to operate using the charging voltage of the charging unit 14 even when no voltage is supplied from the AC power supply 4 to the power supply circuit 7. Based on the detection result of the detection unit 9, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power supply 4 to the load 2. In detail, the operating mode of the control unit 8 switches between a first mode in which the triac 11 is not controlled and a second mode in which the triac 11 is controlled, based on the detection result of the detection unit 9. In the second mode, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 based on the timing when the charging detection unit 15 detects that the charging unit 14 is fully charged to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power supply 4 to the load 2. In the second mode, the control unit 8 generates a control signal V2 that controls the on / off state of the switch element Q1 based on the voltage signal V1 input from the charging detection unit 15. In the second mode, when the voltage signal V1 changes from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo, the control unit 8 outputs a control signal V2 with voltage value V2Hi to the switch element Q1. The control unit 8 outputs the control signal V2 with voltage value V2Hi for a time dt2 that is shorter than half a period of the AC voltage Vac. The switch element Q1 turns on when the control signal V2 with voltage value V2 is input from the control unit 8. In other words, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 to turn on when the voltage signal V1 changes from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo.

[0035] Furthermore, when the control unit 8 is not outputting a control signal V2 with voltage value V2Hi to the switch element Q1, it outputs a control signal V2 with a voltage value V2Lo that is different from voltage value V2Hi to the switch element Q1. The switch element Q1 is kept off when a control signal V2 with voltage value V2Lo is input from the control unit 8. Note that if the triac 11 is controlled from off to on in the middle of a half-cycle of the AC voltage Vac, it will remain on until the end of the half-cycle of the AC voltage Vac.

[0036] (2.2) Operation The operation of the load control system 3 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a timing chart showing the operation of the wiring device 1. From top to bottom, Figure 2 shows the AC voltage Vac applied between the first connection terminal 6A and the second connection terminal 6B by the AC power supply 4, the voltage signal V1 output from the charge detection unit 15 to the control unit 8, the control signal V2 generated by the control unit 8 based on the voltage signal V1 and output to the switch element Q1, and the current Iout flowing through the load 2.

[0037] In the following explanation, it is assumed that the proximity sensor 10 detects user operation at time t1, between time t0 and time t1. During the first period from time t0 to time t1, it is assumed that the triac 11 is off (open), and the operating mode of the control unit 8 is a first mode in which the triac 11 is not controlled.

[0038] During the first period when the triac 11 is off, the AC voltage Vac of the AC power supply 4 is applied between the first input terminals t11A and t11B of the first rectifier circuit DB1. In other words, during the first period, the charging unit 14 is charged by the AC voltage Vac of the AC power supply 4 via the first rectifier circuit DB1 and the power supply circuit 7. At this time, due to the ripple remaining in the AC voltage Vac converted to DC voltage by the first rectifier circuit DB1 and the power supply circuit 7, the charging voltage of the charging unit 14 periodically repeats discharge and charging, so the voltage signal V1 periodically changes between voltage value V1Lo and voltage value V1Hi. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the voltage signal V1 changes from voltage value V1Lo to voltage value V1Hi, maintains voltage value V1Hi for a time dt1, and then falls from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo. This operation is repeated every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac. In other words, during the first period, the voltage signal V1 falls from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac. That is, the charging unit 14 reaches a fully charged state every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac. Here, during the first period, the operating mode of the control unit 8 is the first mode in which the triac 11 is not controlled, and the control unit 8 does not perform control of the triac 11 based on the timing when the charging detection unit 15 detects that the charging unit 14 has reached a fully charged state. Therefore, during the first period, the charging detection unit 15 detects that the charging unit 14 has reached a fully charged state every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac, but the control unit 8 keeps the triac 11 open and keeps the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2 interrupted.

[0039] Next, at time t1, when the proximity detection sensor 10 detects user operation, the control unit 8 switches the operating mode from the first mode to the second mode. During the second period after time t1, the operating mode of the control unit 8 is the second mode, and based on the timing when the charge detection unit 15 detects that the charging unit 14 is fully charged, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 to interrupt or interrupt the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2.

[0040] At time t2, following time t1, the charging unit 14 reaches a fully charged state, and the voltage signal V1 switches from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo.

[0041] When the voltage signal V1 switches from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo, the control unit 8 outputs a control signal V2 with voltage value V2Hi to the switch element Q1 at time t3, which is a predetermined time dt3 after time t2.

[0042] At time t3, the switch element Q1 turns on when a control signal V2 with voltage value V2Hi is input from the control unit 8. In other words, at time t3, the triac 11 turns on, and the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2 becomes conductive. As a result, an AC voltage Vac is applied to the load 2, and as shown in Figure 3, an AC current Iout, which is in phase with the AC voltage Vac, flows through the load 2. Here, the predetermined time dt3 is set based on an operation signal that specifies the output level of the load 2, which is input from the input unit 16 to the control unit 8. The longer the predetermined time dt3, the shorter the time that current Iout flows through the load 2, and therefore the output level of the load 2 decreases. Here, if the load 2 is a lighting fixture, the output level is the dimming level. In other words, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 according to the output level specified by the input unit 16.

[0043] When an AC voltage Vac is applied to the load 2 at time t3, no voltage is applied to the charging unit 14. As a result, at time t4, a small time after time t3, the charging voltage of the charging unit 14 falls below a predetermined value. That is, at time t4, the voltage signal V1 changes from voltage value V1Lo to voltage value V1Hi.

[0044] Here, the control unit 8 outputs a control signal V2 with a voltage value V2Hi to the switch element Q1 from time t3 until time t5, when a time dt2 shorter than half a cycle of the AC voltage Vac has elapsed.

[0045] At time t6, after time t5, when the current Iout flowing to load 2 becomes zero, the triac 11 switches from on to off, and the power supply path from AC power source 4 to load 2 is interrupted. At time t6, when the triac 11 is turned off, the charging unit 14 is charged by the AC voltage Vac and reaches a fully charged state. As a result, at time t6, the voltage signal V1 switches from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo.

[0046] Since the current Iout becomes zero every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac supplied by the AC power supply 4, the charge detection unit 15 detects the charging completion state every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac. Here, since the current Iout and the AC voltage Vac are in phase, the point at which the current Iout becomes zero (zero-crossing point) is equal to the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage Vac. In other words, the control unit detects the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage Vac based on the timing at which the charge detection unit 15 detects the charging completion state of the charging unit 14. That is, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 based on the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage Vac to interrupt or conduct the power supply path from the AC power supply 4 to the load 2.

[0047] The control unit 8 outputs a control signal V2 with a voltage value V2Hi to the switch element Q1 at time t7, which is after a predetermined time dt3 has elapsed from time t6.

[0048] At time t7, the triac 11 turns on, and the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2 becomes conductive. As a result, an AC voltage Vac is applied to the load 2, and a current Iout flows through the load 2.

[0049] At time t8, after time t7, when the current Iout flowing to load 2 becomes zero, the triac 11 switches from on to off, and the power supply path from AC power source 4 to load 2 is interrupted. Thereafter, the load control system 3 repeats the same operation until the proximity sensor 10 detects user operation again. When the proximity sensor 10 detects user operation while the control unit 8 is in second mode, the control unit 8 switches its operating mode from second mode to first mode. In other words, after the control unit 8 switches its operating mode from second mode to first mode, the control unit 8 does not control the triac 11 to turn on even if the voltage signal V1 switches from voltage value V1Hi to voltage value V1Lo, so the lighting fixture, which is load 2, turns off at the zero-crossing point of current Iout.

[0050] With the above configuration, in the wiring device 1 and load control system 3 equipped with the wiring device 1 of this embodiment, the triac 11 can be controlled based on the timing when the charge detection unit 15 detects the charging completion state of the charging unit 14. As a result, a detection circuit for directly detecting the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage Vac is unnecessary, and the wiring device 1 and the load control system 3 equipped with the wiring device 1 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, there is no need to provide separate detection circuits for detecting the zero-crossing from negative to positive of the AC voltage Vac and for detecting the zero-crossing from positive to negative of the AC voltage Vac, which also allows for miniaturization of the wiring device 1 and the load control system 3 equipped with the wiring device 1.

[0051] (3) Variant The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as they achieve the objectives of this disclosure.

[0052] The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0053] (3.1) Variation 1 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the wiring device 1 of Modification 1. The wiring device 1 of Modification 1 differs from the above embodiment in that the detection unit 9 includes a touch panel 12 that accepts touch operation by a person (user). Note that the components other than the detection unit 9 are the same as those of the above embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0054] When the touch panel 12 receives a touch operation (such as a tap or swipe) from the user, it outputs a detection signal corresponding to the touch operation to the control unit 8.

[0055] The operating mode of the control unit 8 switches between a first mode in which the triac 11 is not controlled and a second mode in which the triac 11 is controlled, based on the detection signal input from the touch panel 12. This has the advantage of improving usability, as the user can switch the operating mode of the control unit 8 by touching the touch panel.

[0056] (3.2) Variation 2 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the wiring device 1 of Modification 2. The wiring device 1 of Modification 2 differs from the above embodiment or Modification 1 in that it includes a communication unit 13 that receives signals from an external device 20, instead of a detection unit 9. The communication unit 13 operates by receiving power from the power supply circuit 7. Note that the wiring device 1 may also include a communication unit 13 in addition to the detection unit 9. The components other than the communication unit 13 are the same as in the above embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0057] If the external device 20 is, for example, a remote control device for remotely operating the load 2, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 based on the signal (wireless signal) received by the communication unit 13 to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2. Specifically, the operating mode of the control unit 8 switches between a first mode in which the triac 11 is not controlled and a second mode in which the triac 11 is controlled, based on the signal received by the communication unit 13. In the second mode, the control unit 8 controls the triac 11 based on the timing when the charge detection unit 15 detects that the charging unit 14 is fully charged to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power source 4 to the load 2. As a result, the wiring device 1 can control the operating state of the load 2 based on the signal from the external device 20.

[0058] Note that the external device 20 is not limited to a remote control device, but may be other wiring devices. Wiring device 1 may control the operating state of load 2 based on signals received by the communication unit 13 from other wiring devices. Also, the external device 20 may be an input device for inputting setting information related to the operation of wiring device 1, and the control unit 8 may perform setting related to operation based on the setting information contained in the signals received by the communication unit 13 from the external device 20.

[0059] The communication unit 13 may be equipped with an infrared communication module for infrared communication with the external device 20, or it may be equipped with a radio communication module for radio communication with the external device 20. The radio communication module employs wireless communication compliant with standards such as Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or unlicensed low-power radio (specified low-power radio). The communication method employed by the radio communication module can be changed as appropriate. The communication unit 13 may also be equipped with a wired communication module for wired communication with the external device 20.

[0060] (3.3) Other variations In the above embodiment, the description assumed that the load 2 connected to the wiring device 1 is a lighting fixture, but the load 2 is not limited to a lighting fixture and may be a ventilation fan or the like.

[0061] Furthermore, the wiring device 1 is not limited to being used embedded in the walls of a building, etc., but may also be used exposed on the surface of a wall, etc., or placed on the floor, etc. Also, the wiring device 1 may be used installed on the interior walls of a moving object such as a vehicle, railway car, aircraft, ship, etc.

[0062] (4) Summary As described above, the wiring device (1) according to the first embodiment comprises a first connection terminal (6A) and a second connection terminal (6B), a switching unit (11), a charging unit (14), a charging detection unit (15), and a control unit (8). The first connection terminal (6A) and the second connection terminal (6B) are connected to a series circuit (5) between an AC power source (4) and a load (2). The switching unit (11) is connected between the first connection terminal (6A) and the second connection terminal (6B) and interrupts or opens the power supply path from the AC power source (4) to the load (2). The charging unit (14) is charged by the voltage across both ends of the switching unit (11). The charging detection unit (15) detects when the charging of the charging unit (14) is complete. The control unit (8) controls the switching unit (11) to interrupt or open the power supply path based on the timing at which the charge detection unit (15) detects that the charging unit (14) has completed charging.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the charge detection unit (15) requires lower voltage withstand performance compared to a detection circuit that directly detects the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage (Vac) supplied from the AC power source (4), thus allowing the configuration of the charge detection unit (15) to be simplified. This makes it possible to miniaturize the wiring device (1).

[0064] In the wiring device (1) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the charge detection unit (15) detects the completion of charging every half cycle of the AC voltage (Vac) supplied by the AC power supply (4).

[0065] According to this embodiment, the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage (Vac) can be detected based on the detection result of the charge detection unit (15).

[0066] In the wiring device (1) according to the third embodiment, the control unit (8) operates by being powered by the charging unit (14) in the first or second embodiment.

[0067] According to this embodiment, even when the switching unit (11) is in the closed state and no voltage is supplied from the AC power supply (4) to the power supply circuit (7), the control unit (8) can operate using the charging voltage of the charging unit (14).

[0068] In the wiring device (1) according to the fourth embodiment, in the second embodiment, the control unit (8) detects the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage (Vac) based on the timing when the charge detection unit (15) detects the charging completion state of the charging unit (14), and controls the switching unit (11) with respect to the zero-crossing point to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power source (4) to the load (2).

[0069] According to this embodiment, the charge detection unit (15) requires lower voltage withstand performance compared to a detection circuit that directly detects the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage (Vac) supplied from the AC power source (4), thus allowing the configuration of the charge detection unit (15) to be simplified. This makes it possible to miniaturize the wiring device (1).

[0070] The wiring device (1) according to the fifth embodiment further comprises an input unit (16) that specifies the output level of the load (2) in any of the first to fourth embodiments. The control unit (8) controls the switching unit (11) according to the output level specified by the input unit (16).

[0071] According to this embodiment, the user can set a desired output level.

[0072] The wiring device (1) according to the sixth embodiment further comprises a detection unit (9) for detecting human operation in any of the first to fifth embodiments. The control unit (8) controls the switching unit (11) based on the detection result of the detection unit (9) to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power source (4) to the load (2).

[0073] According to this embodiment, the user can interrupt or interrupt the power supply path from the AC power source (4) to the load (2) at any time.

[0074] In the wiring device (1) according to the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the detection unit (9) includes a proximity detection sensor (10) that detects human operation without contact.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the wiring device (1) can be operated without touching the wiring device (1).

[0076] In the wiring device (1) according to the eighth embodiment, in the sixth or seventh embodiment, the detection unit (9) includes a touch panel (12) that accepts human touch operation.

[0077] This embodiment has the advantage of improving the operability of the wiring device (1).

[0078] The wiring device (1) according to the ninth embodiment further comprises a communication unit (13) that receives signals from an external device (20) in any of the first to eighth embodiments. The control unit (8) controls the switching unit (11) based on the signals received by the communication unit (13) to interrupt or open the power supply path from the AC power source (4) to the load (2).

[0079] This embodiment has the advantage of making it possible to operate the wiring device (1) remotely using an external device (20).

[0080] The load control system (3) according to the tenth embodiment comprises a wiring device (1) according to any of the first to ninth embodiments, and a load (2) connected in series with the wiring device (1) to an AC power supply (4).

[0081] According to this embodiment, the charge detection unit (15) requires lower voltage withstand performance compared to a detection circuit that directly detects the zero-crossing point of the AC voltage (Vac) supplied from the AC power supply (4), thus allowing the configuration of the charge detection unit (15) to be simplified. This makes it possible to miniaturize the load control system (3).

[0082] Furthermore, the second to ninth embodiments are not essential components of the wiring device (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1 Wiring devices 2 loads 3. Load control system 4 AC power supply 5 Series Circuits 6A First connection terminal 6B Second connection terminal 7 Power circuit 8 Control Unit 9. Detection unit 10 Proximity detection sensors 11 Opening / Closing Section 12 Touch panel 13 Communications Department 14 Live parts 15. Charging detection unit 16 Input section 20 External equipment Vac AC voltage

Claims

1. A first connection terminal and a second connection terminal to which a series circuit of an AC power supply and a load are connected, A switching unit connected between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, which interrupts or opens the power supply path from the AC power source to the load, A rectifier circuit connected to both ends of the opening / closing section, A charging unit that is charged by the voltage across the switching unit, which has been converted to a DC voltage by the rectifier circuit, A charging detection unit detects when the charging voltage of the charging unit exceeds a predetermined value, and The system includes a control unit that controls the opening / closing unit to interrupt or open the power supply path based on the timing at which the charging detection unit detects the charging completion state of the charging unit, The charging voltage of the charging unit changes periodically due to the ripple remaining in the DC voltage. Wiring devices.

2. The charging detection unit detects the charging completion state every half cycle of the AC voltage supplied by the AC power supply. Wiring device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit operates by being powered by the charging unit. Wiring device according to claim 1.

4. Further comprising an input unit for specifying the output level of the load, The control unit controls the switching unit according to the output level specified by the input unit. Wiring device according to claim 1.

5. Further comprising a detection unit for detecting human operation, The control unit controls the opening / closing unit based on the detection result of the detection unit to interrupt or open the power supply path. Wiring device according to claim 1.

6. The detection unit includes a proximity detection sensor that detects human operation in a non-contact manner. Wiring device according to claim 5.

7. The detection unit includes a touch panel that accepts touch operations by a person. Wiring device according to claim 5.

8. Further comprising a communication unit for receiving signals from external devices, The control unit controls the switching unit based on the signal received by the communication unit to interrupt or open the power supply path. Wiring device according to claim 1.

9. The wiring device described in Claim 1, A load connected in series with the wiring device to an AC power source, Load control system.

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