GB2292626A

GB2292626A - Wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting

Info

Publication number: GB2292626A
Application number: GB9415630A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Robert Coleman; John Michael Champion
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-08-01
Filing date: 1994-08-01
Publication date: 1996-02-28
Also published as: GB9415630D0

Abstract

A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting that does not require any physical electrical connection between the wall mounted switch panel 15 and the switching unit 16. The wall mounted switch panel consists of a single face plate, the back of which is secured flush to the wall. This panel has no external wiring connections. This obviates the need for mains wiring to be made to the switch plate. As there is no contact switching of the mains the switch panel is intrinsically safe. Operating the switch in the panel transmits an infra-red signal to the switching unit which is in line with the mains lamp. The micro controller based switching unit controls the on-off state of the mains lamp. <IMAGE>

Description

WIRELESS SWITCHING SYSTEM FOR DOMESTIC MAINS LIGHTING This invention relates to a wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting.

Switching systems for domestic mains lighting using wall mounted switches are well-known electrical systems, which comprise of a mains lamp, wiring connections and a wall mounted switch. The on-off operation of the lamp is achieved by making or breaking the electrical circuit in the wall mounted switch. This requires mains connections to be made between the lamp and the switch.

Switching systems for domestic mains lighting are difficult to install because of the wiring connections that need to be made. Moreover, because there is mains wiring to the switch, there is a potential risk of electrocution.

According to the present invention there is provided a wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting comprising of a wall mounted switch panel and a switching unit with no physical electrical connection between the two parts.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the physical layout of the wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting; Figure 2 shows in perspective the physical shape of the wall mounted switch panel; Figure 3 shows the circuit block diagram of the wall mounted switch panel; and Figure 4 shows the circuit block diagram of the switching unit.

Referring to the drawing the wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting is operated by depressing the switch 1 on the wall mounted switch panel 15. This then powers all of the circuitry in the wall mounted switch panel from the internal battery 2. as there are no external connections to the wall mounted switch panel. The oscillator circuit 3 provides the clocking for the pulse train generator circuit 4. The pulse train generator produces the coded signal for transmission via the infra-red emitting diode 5. All of these components are contained within a single face plate (the panel) which is mounted on the wall with no protruding components beyond the rear 6 of the panel 15 as shown in Fig 2.

The communication from the wall mounted switch panel 15 to the switching unit 16 is via infra-red 7 and does not need any physical electrical connection.

The switching unit 16 receives the transmitted signal 7 via the infra-red photo-diode 8. The signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 9 to give a suitable signal level for processing by the microcontroler 10. This decodes the signal and switches on or off the triac 11. The triac in turn will then switch on or off the mains light bulb 12. The latching on or off of the light bulb is done in the microcontroler as the wall mounted switch panel only transmits when the switch I is operated. A zero crossing circuit 13 is used by the microcontroler to synchronise the switching on and off of the lamp, via the triac, with the mains cycle. All the circuitry in the switching unit is powered by the mains via the power supply 14 and is referenced to live.

The switching unit is fully isolated from earth.

Claims

A A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting, comprising of a wall mounted switch panel and a switching unit, with no physical electrical connection between the two parts.
2 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the wall mounted switch panel has no external wiring connections.
3 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein all the components of the wall mounted switch panel are housed within a single face plate.
4 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the wall mounted switch panel has no components protruding beyond the rear of the face plate.
5 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting as claimed in Claim 1 wherein communication between the wall mounted switch panel and the switching unit does not require a wiring connection.
6 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 5, wherein communication between the wall mounted switch panel and the switching unit only occurs when the wall mounted switch panel is operated.
7 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the switching unit receives information from the wall mounted switch panel.
8 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 7, wherein the switching unit controls the operation of the mains lamp.
9 A wireless switching system for domestic mains lighting substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawing.