JP2023178379A - Wiring device and wiring device system - Google Patents

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

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

Patent Document 1 discloses a first connection part to which an electric wire from an external power source is electrically connected, and a second connection part to which a plug provided on an electric wire from an electric device is detachably connected. The wiring equipment provided is described. This wiring device includes, for example, a temperature measurement section attached to one or more locations of the first connection section and the second connection section, and a cutoff section that electrically cuts off between the first connection section and the second connection section. , is equipped with. The wiring device described in Patent Document 1 causes the cutoff section to turn off the contact when it is determined that there is an abnormality based on the temperature detected by the temperature measurement section.

JP 2016-58332 Publication

In order to provide an existing wiring device with the function of the cutoff section described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to replace the existing wiring device with the wiring device described in Patent Document 1. Generally, replacing wiring equipment requires a qualified electrician and is time-consuming.

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

A wiring device according to one aspect of the present invention is a wiring device that is attached to construction materials, and includes a converter circuit that converts AC power supplied from a power line to the wiring device into DC power, and a converter circuit that outputs the AC power. a first terminal for outputting the DC power, a second terminal for outputting the DC power, and a first casing that accommodates the converter circuit, the first terminal, and the second terminal, the first casing The body is provided with a first connection portion for electrically connecting the functional unit to the first terminal, and a second connection portion for electrically connecting the functional unit to the second terminal. the connecting surface is attached to the building material so that the connecting surface faces the indoor side, and when viewed from the indoor side, the connecting surface is located further back than the indoor side surface of the building material. However, when the functional unit is attached to the wiring device, the wiring device becomes invisible from the inside of the room.

A wiring device system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the wiring device and the functional unit detachably connected to the wiring device, and the functional unit has a main surface facing the connection surface. , a second casing inserted into a recess having the connection surface as a bottom surface; a first connection terminal provided on the main surface and connected to the first terminal via the first connection portion; At least one of the second connection terminals provided on the main surface is connected to the second terminal via the second connection part.

According to the present invention, a wiring device whose function can be easily changed and a wiring device system including the same are realized.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a wiring device system according to an embodiment is attached to construction 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. FIG. 3 is a front view and a top view of the wiring device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the wiring device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as an AC outlet, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as an AC outlet, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as a DC outlet, as seen from the front side. FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as a DC outlet, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as an integrated outlet, as seen from the front side. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system according to the embodiment function as an integrated outlet, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for causing the wiring device system according to the embodiment to function as a display device, viewed from the front side. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for causing the wiring device system according to the embodiment to function as a display device, viewed from the rear side. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a functional unit for causing the wiring device system according to the embodiment to function as a display device. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a functional unit for causing the wiring device system according to the embodiment to function as a touch switch. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wiring device system according to a modification.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all inclusive 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 do not limit the present invention. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the most significant concept will be described as arbitrary constituent elements.

Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations may be omitted or simplified. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the expression "approximately" or "approximately" has the meaning of including manufacturing errors, dimensional tolerances, and the like.

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

(Embodiment)
[Outline of wiring equipment system]
An overview of the wiring device system according to the embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a wiring device system according to an embodiment is attached to construction 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.

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 (in other words, equipment) having a function corresponding to the functional unit by connecting the functional unit to the wiring device 20.

For example, the wiring device system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 functions as an AC outlet by connecting the functional unit 30 to the wiring device 20. Further, the wiring device system 10 can be used as a device having functions other than an AC outlet by selectively connecting any of the functional units 30a to 30d, which will be described later, to the wiring device 20.

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

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, so that the wiring device system 10 functions as an AC outlet. Furthermore, when a functional unit 30a, which will be described later, is connected to the wiring device 20, the wiring device 20 supplies DC power to the functional unit 30, so that the wiring device system 10 is connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) outlet (i.e. functions as a DC outlet).

Here, the method of connecting the functional unit 30 to the wiring device 20 is simplified. For example, the user can easily insert the functional unit 30 by simply pushing the functional unit 30 into the wiring fixture 20 so that the first connection terminal of the functional unit 30 enters the connection part, or by rotating the functional unit 30 after pushing the functional unit 30 into the wiring fixture 20. It can be connected to the wiring device 20. Further, the functional unit 30a, which will be described later, can be easily connected to the wiring device 20 by simply pushing the functional unit 30a into the wiring device 20 so that the second connection terminal of the functional unit 30a enters the connection portion. In this way, the functional unit can be replaced even by a general user who is not qualified as an electrician or the like.

Furthermore, in the wiring device system 10, the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located further back than the indoor side surface 50a of the construction material 50. The designer of the functional unit can design the functional unit by utilizing the space obtained by locating the connection surface 22e at the back. That is, according to the configuration in which the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located deeper than the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50, the degree of freedom in designing the functional unit can be increased. For example, the second casing (described later) of the functional unit can be placed deeper than the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50, and the second casing (described later) of the functional unit can be placed deeper than the indoor surface 50a of the entire functional unit. It is possible to reduce the volume of the part where the

Further, for example, in the wiring device 20, the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located further back than the indoor side surface 50a of the construction material, so the connection surface 22e is located on the indoor side more than the indoor side surface 50a, or Compared to the case where the connecting surface 22e is located at the same position as the indoor side surface 50a, the connecting surface 22e can be protected from damage due to physical contact and from adhesion of dirt.

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

The wiring device 20 is attached to a wiring box 60 (shown in FIG. 4; also called a switch box or the like) installed in a recess provided in the construction material 50. The wiring box 60 is a rectangular parallelepiped box with an open front, and is made of, for example, a metal material.

Specifically, the wiring device 20 includes a first housing 21, a converter circuit 24, first terminals 25a to 25c, a connector 26, and a terminal accommodating portion 27.

The first housing 21 accommodates the converter circuit 24, first terminals 25a to 25c, the connector 26, and the terminal accommodating portion 27. The first housing 21 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing, and is made of a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, for example. The first housing 21 includes a front housing 22 and a rear housing 23.

The front housing 22 covers the converter circuit 24, the first terminals 25a to 25c, the connector 26, and the terminal accommodating portion 27 from the front, and the rear housing 23 covers these components from the rear. In the front housing 22 and the rear housing 23, openings 22g provided at four locations on the front housing 22 are fitted into protrusions 23g provided at four locations on the outer surface of the rear housing 23. engage by. Note that the relationship between the protrusion and the opening may be reversed, and the front housing 22 may be provided with a protrusion, and the rear housing 23 may be provided with an opening.

The front housing 22 includes first connection parts 22a to 22c for electrically connecting the functional unit 30 to the first terminals 25a to 25c, and first connection parts 22a to 22c for electrically connecting the functional unit 30 to the second terminals. It has a connection surface 22e on which two connection parts 22d are provided. The wiring device 20 (in other words, the first housing 21) is attached to the construction material 50 via the wiring box 60 so that the connection surface 22e faces the indoor side.

The first connection parts 22a to 22c are openings provided in the connection surface 22e, and first connection terminals 32a to 32c (described later) of the functional unit 30 are inserted into the first connection parts 22a to 22c. The first connecting portions 22a to 22c are arranged, for example, at equal pitches on a circumference centered on the position of the axis of rotation when the functional unit 30 is attached. Note that it is not essential that the first connecting portions 22a to 22c are openings, and the first connecting portions 22a to 22c may have a structure for electrically connecting the functional unit 30 to the first terminals 25a to 25c. good.

The second connection portion 22d is an opening provided in the connection surface 22e, and, for example, the connector 26 is exposed to the outside from the second connection portion 22d. Note that it is not essential that the second connecting portion 22d be an opening, and the second connecting portion 22d may have any structure as long as it is used to electrically connect a functional unit 30a, etc., which will be described later, to the connector 26.

Furthermore, a recess 22f whose bottom surface is the connection surface 22e is provided on the front surface of the front housing 22. The recess 22f has a flat cylindrical shape, into which the second housing 31 of the functional unit 30 is inserted.

A wiring connection portion 23a (see especially FIG. 3(b)) is provided on the upper rear side of the rear housing 23. The wiring connection portion 23a is a connection structure including a terminal to which a wiring is connected. A pair of AC power lines, a ground wire, and a signal line drawn out from the building side (construction materials 50, etc.) are connected to the wiring connection part 23a, and these wirings are connected to the converter via the wiring connection part 23a. It is electrically connected to a circuit board 24a that constitutes the circuit 24.

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 a circuit component 24b on a circuit board 24a that is substantially rectangular in plan view. Note that the circuit board 24a is also provided with a wiring pattern for transmitting AC power obtained from the AC power line to the connector 26, and a wiring pattern for transmitting a signal obtained from the signal line to the connector 26. ing. The circuit board 24a is arranged, for example, so that the component mounting surface faces backward and the soldering surface faces forward. A connector 26 and a terminal accommodating portion 27 are provided on the solder surface of the circuit board 24a.

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

The terminal accommodating portion 27 is a structure for accommodating the first terminals 25a to 25c. The terminal accommodating portion 27 is formed of a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, for example. The terminal accommodating portion 27 forms three recesses, and the first terminals 25a to 25c accommodated in the three recesses are arranged equidistantly on a circumference centered on the position of the axis of rotation when the functional unit 30 is attached. Hold on pitch. As a result, the arrangement of the first connecting portions 22a to 22c and the arrangement of the first terminals 25a to 25c overlap in plan view.

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 a wiring connection portion 23a. Thereby, two of the first terminals 25a to 25c can output AC power to the functional unit 30 via the first connection terminal electrically connected to the first terminal. Further, one of the first terminals 25a to 25c is connected to the ground wire via the wiring connection portion 23a. Thereby, one of the first terminals 25a to 25c can apply a ground potential to the functional unit 30 via the first connection terminal electrically connected to the first terminal. Note that the first terminals 25a to 25c of the wiring device 20 may be connected so as to be in contact with the first connection terminal of the functional unit 30.

By the way, the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is located further back than the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50. Hereinafter, the position of the connection surface 22e will be explained with reference to FIG. Note that the positional relationship shown in FIG. 5 is an example and is not essential.

When the wiring device 20 is attached to the wiring box 60, the distance y1 from the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50 to the frontmost surface of the wiring device 20 is the distance y1 from the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50 to the most front surface of the wiring box 60. It is shorter than the distance y2 to the front. That is, the wiring device 20 is located slightly forward (on the indoor side) of the wiring box 60.

Further, the distance y3 from the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50 to the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 is longer than the distance y2, and the distance y3 from the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50 to the rearmost surface of the wiring box 60 is longer than the distance y2. It is shorter than the distance y4. That is, in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the connection surface 22e is located inside the wiring box 60.

[Functional unit configuration]
Next, the configuration of the functional unit 30 will be explained. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the functional unit 30 seen from the front side. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the functional unit 30 viewed from the rear side (in other words, from the back side).

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the functional unit 30 includes a second housing 31, first connection terminals 32a to 32c, and a cover 33.

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 through which the functional unit 30 receives AC power from the wiring device 20. The first connection terminals 32a to 32c are electrically connected to the first terminals 25a to 25c. The first connection terminals 32a to 32c are arranged, for example, at equal pitches on a circumference centered on the position of the axis of rotation when the functional unit 30 is attached. Each of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c is formed of a metal material such as copper. Further, each of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c has an L-shaped tip (in other words, it is bent in an L-shape).

Inside the second housing 31, various terminals are housed for outputting AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 32a to 32c to the AC supply section 34 provided on the cover 33. has been done.

A cover 33 is disposed on the opposite side of the second housing 31 from the main surface 31a. The cover 33 has a rectangular plate shape and is made of, for example, a resin material. The cover 33 is provided with an AC supply section 34 (more specifically, a plug insertion port) 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 indoor side. In other words, the wiring fixture 20 is covered by the cover 33 when viewed from the indoor side. The cover 33 contacts, for example, the indoor side surface 50a of the construction material 50.

The functional unit 30 is detachably connected to the wiring device 20. Hereinafter, a method of connecting the functional unit 30 to the wiring device 20 will be explained.

Each of the first connecting portions 22a to 22c provided in the first housing 21 of the wiring device 20 includes a wide portion. The first connection terminal 32a is inserted into the wide part of the first connection part 22a, the first connection terminal 32b is inserted into the wide part of the first connection part 22b, and the first connection terminal 32c is inserted into the wide part of the first connection part 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 the end in this state, the first connection terminals 32a to 32c are electrically connected to the first terminals 25a to 25c.

Furthermore, when the first connection terminals 32a to 32c are electrically connected to the first terminals 25a to 25c, the tips of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c, which have an L-shaped cross section, are connected to the first connection portions 22a to 22c. Since the functional unit 30 is caught in the peripheral portion, the functional unit 30 cannot be removed from the wiring fixture 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) is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the AC supply unit 34 . The configuration in which the tips of the first connection terminals 32a to 32c are L-shaped is useful as a mechanism for preventing the functional unit 30 from falling off when the load is removed from the AC supply section 34.

In addition, when canceling the connection between the functional unit 30 and the wiring fixture 20, it is sufficient to rotate the functional unit 30 counterclockwise to the end and pull it out.

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

[Another example of 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. Wiring fixture system 10 can also function as a DC outlet (eg, a USB outlet or USB port), for example. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the functional unit for making the wiring device system 10 function as a DC outlet, as seen from the front side. FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system 10 function as a DC outlet, viewed from the rear side.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the functional unit 30a includes a second housing 31, a connector 36, and a cover 33a.

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

Inside the second housing 31, DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a) is output to a DC supply section 37 provided on the cover 33a. It houses various terminals etc.

A cover 33a is arranged on the opposite side of the main surface 31a of the second housing 31. The cover 33a has a rectangular plate shape and is made of, for example, a resin material. The cover 33a is provided with a DC supply section 37 (more specifically, a USB device insertion port) for supplying DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 to the load. In addition, in FIG. 8, although the cover 33a is provided with two DC supply parts 37, it is sufficient if at least one is provided. When the functional unit 30 is attached to the wiring device 20, the wiring device 20 becomes invisible from the indoor side due to the cover 33a. In other words, when viewed from the indoor side, the wiring fixture 20 is covered by the cover 33a.

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 the connector 26 are properly connected. In this state, the second connection terminal 36a of the connector 36 is electrically connected to the second terminal 26a of the connector 26, and the third connection terminal 36b of the connector 36 is electrically connected to the third terminal 26b of the connector 26. be done. Note that when disconnecting the functional unit 30a and the wiring device 20, the functional unit 30a may be pulled out toward the indoor side.

In this way, the wiring equipment system 10 realized by connecting the functional unit 30a to the wiring equipment 20 can function as a DC outlet. Since it is not necessary to provide the functional unit 30a with a converter circuit that converts AC power to DC power, the function as a DC outlet can be realized while increasing the degree of freedom in designing the functional unit 30a.

[Another example 2 of functional unit]
The wiring fixture system 10 can also function as both an AC outlet and a DC outlet (hereinafter also referred to as functioning as an integrated outlet). FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system 10 function as an integrated outlet, as seen from the front side. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for making the wiring device system 10 function as an integrated outlet, as seen from the rear side.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the functional unit 30b includes a second housing 31, a connector 36, first connection terminals 38a to 38c, and a cover 33b.

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

Inside the second housing 31, there are various terminals for outputting AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 38a to 38c to the AC supply section 34, and various terminals for outputting AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 38a to 38c, Various terminals and the like for outputting the obtained DC power to the DC supply section 37 are accommodated.

A cover 33b is arranged on the opposite side of the main surface 31a of the second housing 31. The cover 33b has a rectangular plate shape and is made of, for example, a resin material. The cover 33b includes an AC supply section 34 for supplying AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the first connection terminals 38a to 38c to the load, and a connector 36 (more specifically, a connector 36 from the wiring device 20 to the load). A DC supply section 37 is provided for supplying the DC power obtained via the two connection terminals 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 indoor side. In other words, when viewed from the indoor side, the wiring fixture 20 is covered by the cover 33b.

The functional unit 30b is detachably connected to the wiring device 20. Specifically, the functional unit 30b is pushed toward the wiring device 20 so that the connector 36 and the connector 26, and the first connection terminals 32a to 32c and the first terminals 25a to 25c are electrically connected. It is connected to the wiring device 20. In the functional unit 30b, the first connection terminals 38a to 38c are arranged so that they can be electrically connected to the first terminals 25a to 25c by simply being pushed in, even if the functional unit 30b is not rotated. When disconnecting the functional unit 30b and the wiring device 20, the functional unit 30b may be pulled out toward the indoor side.

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 it is not necessary to provide the functional unit 30b with a converter circuit that converts AC power to DC power, the function as an integrated outlet can be realized while increasing the degree of freedom in designing the functional unit 30b.

[Another example 3 of functional unit]
Wiring fixture system 10 can also function as a display device. FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for causing the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device, viewed from the front side. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a functional unit for causing the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device, viewed from the rear side. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a functional unit for causing the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the functional unit 30c includes a second housing 31, a connector 36, and a cover 33c.

A display control section 39 is provided inside the second housing 31. The display control unit 39 controls displaying an image on the display unit 40 using DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a). The display control unit 39 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer and a memory.

The display unit 40 is provided on the cover 33c and displays images 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 realized by a display panel such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel or a liquid crystal panel.

The image displayed by the display unit 40 is not particularly limited. The display unit 40 displays, for example, images stored in the memory in advance. The display unit 40 also communicates with other devices in the building in which the wiring equipment system 10 is installed via the third connection terminal 36b and the third terminal 26b included in the connector 36, and displays images based on this communication. may be displayed. The display unit 40 may display, for example, the power consumption of other devices.

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 the DC power from the wiring device 20, there is no need to provide the functional unit 30c with a converter circuit that converts AC power to DC power, so while increasing the degree of freedom in designing the functional unit 30c, The function as a display device can be realized.

In addition, the cover 33c of the functional unit 30c includes an AC supply section for supplying AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load, or for supplying DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load, as well as a display section 40. A direct current supply may be provided for this purpose.

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

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

The appearance of the functional unit 30d is the same as that of the functional unit 30c, so illustration thereof is omitted. A detection section 41 is provided on the cover included in the functional unit 30d. The detection unit 41 detects the user's operation using DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 via the connector 36 (more specifically, the second connection terminal 36a). The detection unit 41 is specifically realized by a touch panel or a hardware switch.

Furthermore, a wireless communication circuit 42 is provided inside the second casing included in the functional unit 30d. The wireless communication circuit 42 communicates with a device to be controlled 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 for controlling the device based on the operation detected by the detection unit 41. When the device to be controlled is a lighting device, the wireless communication circuit 42 transmits a control signal to the lighting device, for example, every time a user's tap operation is detected by the touch screen. As a result, the lighting equipment is switched on and off each time the user performs a tap operation.

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 for converting AC power to DC power in the functional unit 30d, increasing the degree of freedom in designing the functional unit 30d. At the same time, it can also function as a touch switch.

Note that the functional unit 30d may further include a display control section 39 and a display section 40. In this case, the display section 40 included in the functional unit 30d can display images of buttons (operated regions), control states of devices (for example, lighting states of lighting devices), and the like.

In addition, the cover of the functional unit 30d has the function of a touch switch and also has an AC supply unit for supplying AC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load, or an AC supply unit for supplying the DC power obtained from the wiring device 20 to the load. A direct current supply may be provided for this purpose.

[Modified example]
Hereinafter, a wiring device system according to a modification will be described. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wiring device system according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 16, a wiring device system 110 according to the modification includes a wiring device 120 and a functional unit 130.

First, the wiring device 120 will be explained. The wiring device 120 includes a communication section 121, a power control section 122, a converter circuit 123, a first terminal 124, a second terminal 125, and a third terminal 126. The first terminal 124 has, for example, the same configuration as the first terminals 25a to 25c. The second terminal 125 has, for example, the same configuration as the second terminal 26a, and the third terminal 126 has, for example, the same configuration as the third terminal 26b. Note that in the wiring device 120, the third terminal 126 does not need to be connected to the signal line via the wiring connection part.

Although not shown, the wiring device 120 also includes a first casing that houses a communication section 121, a power control section 122, a converter circuit 123, a first terminal 124, a second terminal 125, and a third terminal 126. We are prepared. This first casing has, for example, the same configuration as the first casing 21 of the embodiment described above.

The communication unit 121 receives voltage information indicating the voltage amplitude of power necessary for the functional unit 130 (functional unit 134) to operate from the functional unit 130 via the third terminal 126. Specifically, the communication unit 121 is a communication circuit.

Power control section 122 controls the voltage amplitude of the power output from converter circuit 123 based on the voltage information received by communication section 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 realized by, for example, a microcomputer and memory.

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

Next, the functional unit 130 will be explained. The functional unit 130 includes a second connection terminal 131, a third connection terminal 132, a communication section 133, and a function section 134. The second connection terminal 131 has, for example, the same configuration as the second connection terminal 36a, and the third connection terminal 132 has, for example, the same configuration as the third connection terminal 36b.

When communication with the communication unit 121 is established by connecting the third connection terminal 132 to the third terminal 126, 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. Note that the communication unit 133 may operate with DC power supplied from the wiring device 120, or may operate with a storage battery independently of the wiring device 120.

The functional unit 134 operates using 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 above-mentioned display unit or detection unit.

The wiring device system 110 as described above 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 voltage information may be transmitted and received without using the third connection terminal 132 and the third terminal 126. For example, the voltage information may be transmitted and received by short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication).

[Effects etc.]
As explained above, the wiring device 20 is a wiring device attached to the construction material 50. The wiring device 20 includes a converter circuit 24 that converts AC power supplied from the power line to the wiring device 20 into DC power, first terminals 25a to 25c for outputting AC power, and terminals 25a to 25c for outputting DC power. It includes a second terminal 26a, a converter circuit 24, first terminals 25a to 25c, and a first housing 21 that accommodates the second terminal 26a. The first housing 21 includes first connection parts 22a to 22c for electrically connecting the functional unit to the first terminals 25a to 25c, and a first connection part 22a to 22c for electrically connecting the functional unit to the second terminal 26a. It has a connecting surface 22e on which two connecting portions 22d are provided, and is attached to the building material 50 so that the connecting surface 22e faces toward the indoor side. When viewed from the indoor side, the connection surface 22e is located further back than the indoor side surface 50a of the construction material 50.

The function of such a wiring device 20 can be easily changed by replacing the functional unit. Further, the designer of the functional unit can design the functional unit by utilizing the space obtained by the connection surface 22e of the wiring device 20 being located further back than the indoor surface 50a of the construction material 50. That is, according to the configuration in which the connection surface of the wiring device 20 is located deeper than the indoor side surface of the construction material, the degree of freedom in designing the functional unit can be increased.

Further, for example, the wiring device 20 further includes a third terminal 26b for outputting the signal acquired by the wiring device 20 from the signal line. The connection surface 22e of the first housing 21 is provided with a third connection portion for connecting the functional unit to the third terminal. In the embodiment described above, 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.

Such a wiring device 20 can easily realize communication between other devices and the functional unit by connecting the signal line to the other devices in advance.

The wiring device system 10 also includes a wiring device 20 and a functional unit detachably connected to the wiring device 20. The functional unit has a main surface 31a facing the connection surface 22e, and a second housing 31 that is inserted into a recess 22f having the connection surface 22e as a bottom surface, and a first terminal 25a to 25a through the first connection section 22a. 25c, the first connection terminals 32a to 32c provided on the main surface 31a, and the second connection provided on the main surface 31a, connected to the second terminal 26a via the second connection part 22d. and at least one of the terminals 36a.

The function of such a wiring device system 10 can be easily changed by replacing the functional unit.

For example, the functional unit further includes a cover (cover 33, 33a to 33c, etc.) disposed on the opposite side of the main surface 31a, and when viewed from the indoor side, the wiring device 20 is covered by the cover. .

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

Further, for example, the functional unit 30 includes first connection terminals 32a to 32c. The cover 33 is provided with an AC supply section 34 for supplying AC power obtained through the first connection terminals 32a to 32c to a load.

Such a functional unit 30 can cause the wiring device system 10 to function as an AC outlet.

Further, for example, the functional unit 30a includes a second connection terminal 36a. The cover 33a is provided with a DC supply section 37 for supplying DC power obtained via the second connection terminal 36a to the load.

Such a functional unit 30a can cause the wiring device system 10 to function as a DC outlet.

Further, for example, the functional unit 30b includes both the first connection terminals 32a to 32c and the second connection terminal 36a. The cover 33b includes an AC supply section 34 for supplying AC power obtained through the first connection terminals 32a to 32c to the load, and an AC supply section 34 for supplying the load with DC power obtained through the second connection terminal 36a. A DC supply section 37 is provided for this purpose.

Such a functional unit 30b allows the wiring fixture system 10 to function as an integrated outlet.

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

Such a functional unit 30c can cause the wiring device system 10 to function as a display device.

Further, for example, the functional unit 30d includes a second connection terminal 36a and a detection unit 41 that detects the user's operation using the DC power obtained through the second connection terminal 36a, which is provided on the cover of the functional unit 30d. and a wireless communication circuit 42 that operates using DC power obtained through the second connection terminal 36a, and transmits a control signal for controlling the device based on the operation detected by the detection unit 41. A wireless communication circuit 42 is provided.

Such a functional unit 30d can cause the wiring device system 10 to function as a touch switch.

For example, the wiring device 20 is a wiring device that is attached to construction materials, and the wiring device 20 is a wiring device that is attached to a construction material, and the connection surface where the first connection portion and the second connection portion are provided, and the connection terminal connected to the first connection portion are connected to AC power. and a second terminal that outputs DC power to a connection terminal connected to the second connection part, and the connection surface is located deeper than the indoor side surface of the construction material.

In such a wiring device 20, if the connection surface of the wiring device 20 is located deeper than the indoor surface of the construction material, the connection surface is located on the indoor side of the building material or on the indoor side. The connection surface can be protected compared to the case where the connection surface is located at the same position as the surface.

Further, for example, the wiring device system 10 includes the above-mentioned wiring device and a functional unit connected to the wiring device, and the functional unit has a connection terminal connected to at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal. have

In such a wiring device system 10, if the connection surface of the wiring device 20 is located deeper than the indoor side surface of the construction material, the degree of freedom in designing the functional unit can be increased.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, the wiring device was provided with a ground terminal (one of the three first terminals), but the ground terminal may be omitted. Moreover, although the wiring device was provided with the third terminal for outputting the signal acquired by the wiring device from the signal line, the wiring device does not need to be provided with the third terminal.

Further, in the above embodiment, the wiring device includes a converter circuit, and the functional unit does not include a converter circuit, but the functional unit may further include a DC-DC converter circuit.

Further, the functions provided to the functional units in the above embodiments are merely examples. Other functions include, for example, a speaker function and a lighting function. Note that the functional unit having a lighting function may have a fluorescent lamp or the like as a light emitting element, and may emit light using AC power obtained through the first connection terminal, or may emit light using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. It may be provided as an element and emit light using DC power obtained through the second connection terminal.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a fixing member such as a screw or an adhesive tape may be further used to firmly fix the functional unit to the construction material or the wiring equipment.

Other embodiments may be obtained by making various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or may be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes such forms.

For example, the present invention may be realized as one of the plurality of types of functional units (functional units 30, 30a to 30d, and 130) described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, a functional unit realized by combining two or more of the plurality of types of functional units (functional units 30, 30a to 30d, and 130) described in the above embodiments, and a wiring system including the functional unit are also available. Included in the present invention.

10, 110 Wiring equipment system 20, 120 Wiring equipment 21 First housing 22a to 22c First connection part 22d Second connection part (third connection part)
22e Connection surface 22f Recess 24, 123 Converter circuit 25a to 25c, 124 First terminal 26a, 125 Second terminal 26b, 126 Third terminal 30, 30a to 30d, 130 Functional unit 31 Second housing 31a Main surface 32a to 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 section 42 Wireless communication circuit 50 Construction material 50a Area 60 wiring box

Claims (11)

A wiring device that is attached to construction materials,
a converter circuit that converts AC power supplied from a power line to the wiring device into DC power;
a first terminal for outputting the AC power;
a second terminal for outputting the DC power;
comprising a first casing that accommodates the converter circuit, the first terminal, and the second terminal,
The first casing includes a first connecting portion for electrically connecting the functional unit to the first terminal, and a second connecting portion for electrically connecting the functional unit to the second terminal. having a connecting surface provided therein, and being attached to the building material so that the connecting surface faces toward the indoor side;
When viewed from the indoor side, the connection surface is located further back than the indoor side surface of the construction material,
When the functional unit is attached to the wiring device, the wiring device becomes invisible from the inside of the room. Wiring device. Furthermore, the wiring device includes a third terminal for outputting the signal acquired from the signal line,
The wiring device according to claim 1, wherein the connection surface of the first housing is provided with a third connection portion for connecting the functional unit to the third terminal. The wiring device according to claim 1 or 2,
and the functional unit detachably connected to the wiring device,
The functional unit is
a second casing having a main surface facing the connection surface and inserted into a recess having the connection surface as a bottom surface;
a first connection terminal provided on the main surface that is connected to the first terminal via the first connection part; and a first connection terminal provided on the main surface that is connected to the second terminal via the second connection part. and at least one of the second connection terminals provided on the surface. The functional unit further includes a cover disposed on the opposite side of the main surface,
The wiring device system according to claim 3, wherein when viewed from the indoor side, the wiring device is covered by the cover and becomes invisible from the indoor side. The functional unit includes the first connection terminal,
The wiring equipment system according to claim 4, wherein the cover is provided with an AC supply section for supplying the AC power obtained via the first connection terminal to a load. The functional unit includes the second connection terminal,
The wiring equipment system according to claim 4, wherein the cover is provided with a DC supply section for supplying the DC power obtained via the second connection terminal to a load. The functional unit includes both the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal,
The cover includes an AC supply unit for supplying the AC power obtained through the first connection terminal to the load, and an AC supply unit for supplying the DC power obtained through the second connection terminal to the load. 5. The wiring fixture system according to claim 4, further comprising: a direct current supply. The functional unit is
the second connection terminal;
The wiring equipment system according to claim 4, further comprising: a display unit provided on the cover and displaying an image using the DC power obtained through the second connection terminal. The functional unit is
the second connection terminal;
a detection unit provided on the cover and configured to detect a user's operation using the DC power obtained through the second connection terminal;
a wireless communication circuit that operates using the DC power obtained through the second connection terminal, the wireless communication circuit transmitting a control signal for controlling a device based on an operation detected by the detection unit; The wiring equipment system according to claim 4, further comprising a circuit. A wiring device that is attached to construction materials,
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;
a second terminal that outputs DC power to a connection terminal connected to the second connection part,
The connection surface is located further back than the indoor side surface of the construction material,
When the functional unit is attached to the wiring device, the wiring device becomes invisible from the inside of the room. Wiring device. The wiring device according to claim 10;
a functional unit connected to the wiring device;
The functional unit has a connection terminal connected to at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal. Wiring equipment system.

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