JP3616386B2 - Signal transmitter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a signal transmission device such as a remote controller or a switch used for remote operation of an electric / electronic device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many of recent electrical and electronic devices can be switched in operating state by remote control with a remote controller. For example, as a lighting device, a lighting device such as a lamp or a fluorescent lamp, a switch for manually lighting / dimming / extinguishing the lighting device, and a radio signal transmitted from a remote control (transmitter), etc. There is a switch that has a light / light-off switch and can turn on / light-control / light-off the lighting fixture by either manual operation or remote operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Here, it is well known that in a remote control that transmits a control signal such as a radio signal, various types of batteries (such as AAA-type manganese batteries and button-type lithium batteries) are used as a power source for generating signals. It is a fact. In addition, for example, in a room of a general house or building, it is also a well-known fact that the luminaire is mainly mounted on the ceiling and the manual switch is provided on the wall near the entrance of the room.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-5370 (pages 4-7, FIG. 1, FIG. 3)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a lighting device, when the battery used for the remote controller is exhausted and a predetermined electromotive force cannot be obtained (so-called when the battery runs out), the lighting apparatus is remotely controlled. There is a problem that it becomes impossible. In addition, when a manual switch is provided on the wall, the wiring connecting the lighting fixture and the manual switch is generally passed through the wall. In this case, however, when the wiring is attached or when trouble occurs in this wiring later. There is a problem that the construction load becomes large. On the other hand, if the wiring outside the wall is performed, the beauty of the room is impaired.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a signal transmission device that does not require a battery. It is another object of the present invention to provide a signal transmission device that does not require wiring to be connected to a main body portion of an electric / electronic device and can be used as a manual switch that does not use a battery.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, an actuator in which a piezoelectric element having electrodes formed on both surfaces of a rectangular thin plate-like piezoelectric body and a rectangular thin plate-like spring plate are bonded together, and one end in the longitudinal direction thereof is fixed ;
A switch that applies a stress to a free end in a longitudinal direction of the actuator to bend and freely vibrate the actuator;
Return means for returning the switch to its original position after pressing the switch so that the actuator bends;
A signal transmitter for generating a predetermined signal and transmitting the generated signal;
Power transmission means for supplying the signal transmitter with electric power generated in the actuator when stress is applied to the actuator;
Comprising
The actuator generates power by free vibration when the switch is pressed and when the switch returns to the original position by the return means, and the signal transmitter is supplied with electric power from the actuator via the power transmission means. A signal transmission device characterized in that it operates only according to the above is provided.
[0008]
According to such a signal transmission device, since the signal transmitter is operated using the electric power generated by the actuator without using the battery, it is not necessary to replace the battery, and the signal transmitter is operated when the battery runs out. Occurrence of the situation where it becomes impossible to avoid is avoided. In addition, when the signal transmission device of the present invention is used as a manual switch for an electric / electronic device and the signal transmission device is provided on a wall such as a living room, a wiring connecting the signal transmission device and the electric / electronic device to be operated is provided. There is no need to provide it.
[0009]
In the signal transmission device of the present invention, the signal transmitter is preferably a signal generation unit that generates a predetermined digital signal, a modulation unit that modulates the digital signal, and a signal that transmits the signal modulated by the modulation unit as a radio wave. And a transmitter. If the signal generator is configured to repeatedly transmit a predetermined digital signal, it is possible to more reliably control a device that operates based on the digital signal. The digital signal may be a radio signal or an optical signal.
[0010]
The power supply from the actuator to the signal transmitter is performed by causing free vibration to the actuator after the application of stress to the actuator by the switch is released. The operation of the switch is performed directly or indirectly by a person. The longitudinal end of the actuator is fixed, the switch by configured to apply a stress in the longitudinal direction of the free end of the actuator, one end of the actuator can freely vibrate in the pendulum-like.
[0011]
Since the electric power obtained by freely oscillating the actuator is AC power, the power transmission means converts this into DC power and supplies it to the signal transmitter. For this reason, a power transmission means has a rectifier which converts alternating current power into direct current power, and a voltage regulator which adjusts the voltage value of the power supplied to a signal transmitter.
[0012]
Signal transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable to adopt a configuration further comprising a detection means for detecting the operation of the switch. In this case, the signal is generated at the timing detected by the detection means, either during the return operation of the switch by the return means, at the time of return, or before a predetermined time elapses after the switch returns to the original position. it is preferred that part is adapted to generate a signal. As a result, malfunctions in the signal generator can be prevented.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the signal transmission device 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the power supply unit 2 and the signal transmitter 3 included in the signal transmission device 1.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1, the signal transmission device 1 includes a power supply unit 2 and a signal transmitter 3. The power supply unit 2 includes an actuator 11, a rectifier 12, and a voltage regulator 13. The signal transmitter 3 includes a signal generation circuit 15, a modulation circuit 16, a signal transmission circuit 17, an antenna 18, and the like. have. The signal transmission device 1 also includes a switch 4 for driving the actuator 11, an actuator holding jig 5 for holding the actuator 11, a case 6, a switch return spring 7, a switch operation detecting contact member 8, A switch operation detection circuit 19 (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2).
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 11 is a unimorph in which a piezoelectric element 20 in which electrodes (not shown) are formed on both surfaces of a substantially rectangular thin plate-like piezoelectric body 22 and a thin plate-like spring plate 21 are bonded together. Has a mold structure. One end of the actuator 11 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the actuator holding jig 5, and the actuator holding jig 5 is fixed to the printed wiring board 31 of the signal transmitter 3. One end in the longitudinal direction of the actuator 11 is in a free state, and the actuator 11 can be bent by applying a force to the free end by the switch 4.
[0016]
The switch 4 has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and one end thereof is rotatably held by a holding member 25. In a normal state (a state in which the switch 4 is not operated), as shown in FIG. 1, one end of the switch 4 is arranged such that a refracting portion (a bent corner portion) A of the switch 4 protrudes outside the case 6. Is biased in contact with the switch return spring 7. The switch return spring 7 is bent by receiving a force from the switch 4 when a person applies a force directly or indirectly so as to push the refracting portion A of the switch 4 into the case 6. When the pushing force is released, the switch 4 is returned to the original state (normal state). In this way, the switch 4 and the switch return spring 7 are integrated to form a push-on / push-off type manual switch.
[0017]
The switch 4 comes into contact with the free end of the actuator 11 in the vicinity of the portion in contact with the switch return spring 7 when the switch 4 switch 4 is pushed in and when the switch 4 returns to its original state. 11 has a protrusion 26 that bends 11.
[0018]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode of the actuator 11, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a voltage waveform obtained by operating the actuator 11. In a normal state, the switch 4 is in a state in which the refracting portion A is pushed up by the switch return spring 7, and at this time, the protrusion 26 is located above the free end of the actuator 11 (FIG. 3). (A)).
[0019]
When the refracting portion A of the switch 4 is pushed into the inside of the case 6, the projection 26 comes into contact with the free end of the actuator 11 and bends the actuator 11 downward (FIG. 3B). The switch 4 can be pushed in until the switch return spring 7 contacts the bottom plate of the case 6. In the middle of pushing the switch 4 to the end, the free end of the actuator 11 moves away from the protrusion 26, and thereby the actuator 11 starts free vibration (FIG. 3 (c)). FIG. 3 (d)).
[0020]
When the force pushing the switch 4 is removed after the switch 4 is pushed to the end, the switch return spring 7 pushes the switch 4 back to the original state. At that time, the protrusion 26 comes into contact with the actuator 11 again and bends the actuator 11 upward (FIG. 3E). Subsequently, the free end of the actuator 11 moves away from the protrusion 26, and the actuator 11 again performs free vibration. Start (FIG. 3 (f)). Thereafter, the free vibration of the actuator 11 is attenuated and returns to the normal state shown in FIG.
[0021]
In this way, by causing the actuator 11 bent vibration, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric effect (mainly transverse effect (d ₃₁ mode)) to the piezoelectric element 22. As shown in FIG. 3, when the switch 4 is pressed once to return to the original state, the actuator 11 causes free vibration twice, so that the actuator 11 receives an alternating current as shown in FIG. A waveform W1 (during free vibration shown in FIG. 3C) and an AC waveform W2 (during free vibration shown in FIG. 3F) are output with a time interval. The time between the AC waveforms W1 and W2 varies depending on the time for which the switch 4 is held in the depressed state.
[0022]
In order to increase the electric power output from the actuator 11 when the shape of the actuator 11 is constant, it is preferable to use a material having a large piezoelectric constant d ₃₁ and an electromechanical coupling coefficient k ₃₁ as the piezoelectric body 22. Specifically, lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics are preferably used. The thickness of the piezoelectric body 22 is preferably as thin as possible so as to be easily bent. Further, in order to prolong the single vibration time of the actuator 11, a material excellent in spring property, for example, a metal material such as a phosphor bronze plate, a copper plate, and a stainless plate is preferably used as the spring plate 21.
[0023]
In the state shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d), the switch return spring 7 is in contact with the switch operation detection contact member 8. The switch operation detection circuit 19 is a circuit through which a current flows when the switch return spring 7 and the switch operation detection contact member 8 are in contact with each other. Whether the circuit is closed or open is indicated by a signal The generation circuit 15 determines.
[0024]
The rectifier 12 has a rectifier circuit and a capacitor (not shown), converts AC power output from the actuator 11 into DC power, and stores the power. The voltage regulator 13 performs peak cutting of the voltage so that an excessive voltage is not applied to the signal transmitter 15. For example, the voltage input to the signal transmitter 15 is 3V.
[0025]
Each circuit constituting the signal transmitter 3 is operated by electric power supplied from the actuator 11 via the rectifier 12 and the voltage regulator 13. The signal generation circuit 15 generates a predetermined digital signal necessary for controlling an electric / electronic device or the like that is a control target of the signal transmission device 1. The signal generation circuit 15 is preferably configured to repeatedly transmit a predetermined digital signal. The modulation circuit 16 performs analog modulation that places the digital signal information created by the signal generation circuit 15 on a carrier wave. For example, modulation is performed by placing a digital signal on a 315 MHz carrier wave. The signal transmission circuit 17 adjusts the output of the carrier wave generated by the modulation circuit 16 and transmits it to the antenna 18. The antenna 18 radiates radio waves into space.
[0026]
In the signal transmission device 1 configured as described above, for example, when a person manually pushes the refracting portion of the switch 4 into the case 6, a series of operations illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D described above. Accordingly, the actuator 11 freely vibrates. At this time, the AC power generated by the actuator 11 is converted into DC power by the rectifier 12, and a part of the AC power is sent to the signal transmitter 3 through the voltage regulator 13 to operate each circuit constituting the signal transmitter 3. State. The remaining DC power is stored in a capacitor provided in the rectifier 12 and then sent to the signal transmitter 3 through the voltage regulator 13. Thereby, each circuit constituting the signal transmitter 3 is maintained in an operable state. Further, the signal generation circuit 15 recognizes that the switch 4 is operated by recognizing that the switch operation detection circuit 19 is changed from the open state to the closed state.
[0027]
In this state, it is also possible to generate a predetermined digital signal by the signal generation circuit 15 and sequentially perform signal processing to radiate radio waves from the antenna 18. However, immediately after the power is supplied, the operation of the signal generation circuit 15 and the like is unstable, which may cause a malfunction. For this reason, in the signal transmission device 1, the signal generation circuit 15 does not generate a digital signal depending on the electric power supplied by the first vibration of the actuator 11, and therefore radio waves are not radiated from the antenna 18.
[0028]
When the force pushing the switch 4 is removed, the actuator 11 again vibrates freely according to the series of operations shown in FIGS. The AC power generated by the actuator 11 in this way is converted into DC power by the rectifier 12, stored in a capacitor provided in the rectifier 12, and then sent to the signal transmitter 3. The signal generation circuit 15 recognizes that the switch 4 has started to return to the original position by recognizing that the switch operation detection circuit 19 is opened.
[0029]
The signal generation circuit 15 generates a predetermined digital signal when, for example, 0.3 seconds elapses after a predetermined time has elapsed after recognizing that the switch operation detection circuit 19 has been opened. In this way, the signal accuracy is improved by generating the digital signal after a certain time has elapsed since the power supply to the signal generation circuit 15 is performed. The digital signal is placed on a carrier wave in the modulation circuit 16, and then output is adjusted in the signal transmission circuit 17 and is radiated from the antenna 18 to the space as a radio wave.
[0030]
Note that the timing at which the signal generation circuit 15 generates the digital signal is not limited to the case described above (that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch operation detection circuit 19 opened). It can be set during operation, upon return, or before a predetermined time has elapsed since the return.
[0031]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1), the signal transmission device 1 contacts the switch return spring 7 when the switch 4 is in a normal state, but when the switch 4 is pushed, the switch 4 A switch operation detection contact member 8 a that is separated from the return spring 7 is provided in the case 6.
[0032]
In this case, until the switch 4 that has been pressed once returns to the original position later, that is, after the switch return spring 7 is separated from the contact member 8 for detecting the switch operation, it contacts the contact member 8a for detecting the switch operation. In the meantime, the signal generation circuit 15 generates a predetermined digital signal. Further, a predetermined time elapses within a predetermined time after the switch 4 once pushed back to the original position, that is, after the switch return spring 7 comes into contact with the switch operation detection contact member 8a. First, a predetermined digital signal is generated by the signal generation circuit 15.
[0033]
Further, the voltage detector 14 for detecting the voltage waveform sent from the actuator 11 to the rectifier 12 is provided as shown in FIG. When the voltage detector 14 detects a peak of voltage (first peak in the second AC waveform W2 shown in FIG. 4) generated by vibrating the actuator 11 when the switch 4 returns, It is also possible to construct the signal generation circuit 15 so that the signal generation circuit 15 generates a predetermined digital signal.
[0034]
When such a signal transmission device 1 is a remote controller for turning on / off a fluorescent lamp, the reception device for the fluorescent lamp turns on / controls / extinguishes the fluorescent lamp by a radio signal received from the signal transmission device 1. Switch in order. The signal transmission device 1 does not require a battery in order to operate the signal generation circuit 15 by generating electric power in the actuator 11. For this reason, it is not necessary to replace the battery, and the signal transmission device 1 does not become inoperable when the battery runs out.
[0035]
Further, for example, in a conventional fluorescent lamp, the lighting / extinguishing state of the fluorescent lamp is controlled by a person operating a lighting / extinguishing switch provided on a wall. In this case, an electrical wiring connecting the fluorescent lamp and the on / off switch is necessary. However, if the signal transmission device 1 described above is used as such a light on / off switch, the electric wiring connecting the fluorescent lamp and the signal transmission device 1 is not necessary, so the installation work load of the fluorescent lamp is reduced. . Moreover, even in this case, the signal transmission device 1 does not need a battery, so there is no need to replace the battery, and the signal transmission device 1 does not become inoperable when the battery runs out.
[0036]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, this invention is not limited to such a form. For example, in the above description, the operation of the switch 4 is detected by detecting conduction between the switch return spring 7 and the switch operation detection contact member 8 (8a). The operation of the switch 4 may be directly detected by providing a conductive / insulating contact point with the case 6.
[0037]
The switch return spring 7 is not limited to the leaf spring shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and may be a coil. In place of the combination of the switch 4 and the switch return spring 7, a holding / opening type switch, that is, when the switch is pushed once, the switch is held in the pushed state, and when the switch is pushed again, the switch is restored to the original state. A type that returns to a position can also be used. This is because the electric power for operating the signal transmitter 3 can be sufficiently obtained even with a single vibration of the actuator 11.
[0038]
In the above description, the mode in which the signal generating circuit 15 generates a digital signal when the switch 4 is pressed once has been described. For example, when the switch 4 is pressed twice within a predetermined short time In addition, the signal generation circuit 15 can be configured such that the signal generation circuit 15 generates a predetermined digital signal. Further, the signal generation circuit 15 causes the signal generation circuit 15 to generate different digital signals when the switch 4 is pressed once and when the switch 4 is pressed twice within a predetermined short time. It is also possible to configure.
[0039]
The signal transmission device 1 may be provided with two or more signal generation circuits that generate different digital signals. In this case, a switch (mechanical switch not using electricity) for selecting a signal generation circuit is provided, and power is preferably supplied from the actuator only to the signal generation circuit selected by this switch. Thereby, for example, in the case of a signal transmission device for a lighting fixture, it is possible to distinguish and transmit a lighting signal and a lighting-off signal, and the reception device identifies whether the signal is a lighting signal or a lighting-off signal. Switch state.
[0040]
The actuator 11 is not limited to a unimorph structure. For example, a bimorph actuator in which a piezoelectric plate is bonded to the surface of a spring plate may be used. In addition, a curved actuator in which a piezoelectric plate is bonded to one or both sides of a curved spring plate can be used. In this case, one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the curved spring plate may be fixed. It is good also as a form which fixed the part. In the case of fixing at one end, the curved actuator can be driven in the same manner as the actuator 11 having the unimorph structure described above. On the other hand, when both ends are fixed, the spring plate is vibrated in the bending direction (protruding direction) by applying a stress to the curved actuator so that the amount of bending of the spring plate is small, whereby the power is Can be generated.
[0041]
The signal transmission device of the present invention is not limited to the lighting fixtures described above. For example, the signal transmission device 1 can be used as a sensor used in a security system, for example, various doors or a sensor that detects opening / closing of a door. For example, the signal transmission device 1 can be attached to a door or door frame of a safe or the like, and the opening / closing of the safe door can be detected by a wireless signal emitted from the signal transmission device 1 to generate an alarm. In addition, the signal generation device of the present invention can be applied to various devices and devices associated with the switch pressing operation and signal generation, such as a product selection switch in a vending machine, a remote control device for a flush toilet, etc. it can.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the signal transmission device of the present invention, since the signal transmitter is operated using the electric power generated by the actuator without using the battery, there is no need to replace the battery and the signal transmitter is generated when the battery runs out. Occurrence of a situation where it becomes impossible to operate is avoided. In addition, when the signal transmission device of the present invention is used as a manual switch for an electric / electronic device and the signal transmission device is provided on a wall such as a living room, a wiring connecting the signal transmission device and the electric / electronic device to be operated is provided. There is no need to provide it. As a result, the load on the installation work of the electric / electronic device is reduced, and the change of the mounting position of the signal transmission device is facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a signal transmission device.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply unit and a signal transmitter included in the signal transmission device.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode of an actuator.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing voltage waveforms obtained by operating an actuator.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of another signal transmission device.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of another power supply unit and a signal transmitter included in the signal transmission device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1; Signal transmitter 2; Power supply part 3; Signal transmitter 4; Switch 5; Actuator holding jig 6; Case 7; Switch return spring 8 * 8a; Switch operation detection contact member 11; Actuator 12; Voltage regulator 14; Voltage detector 15; Signal generation circuit 16; Modulation circuit 17; Signal transmission circuit 18; Antenna 19; Switch operation detection circuit 20; Piezoelectric element 21; Spring plate 22; Part 31; printed wiring board

Claims (5)

An actuator in which a piezoelectric element in which electrodes are formed on both surfaces of a rectangular thin plate-like piezoelectric body and a rectangular thin plate-like spring plate are bonded together, and one end in the longitudinal direction thereof is fixed ;
A switch that applies a stress to a free end in a longitudinal direction of the actuator to bend and freely vibrate the actuator;
Return means for returning the switch to its original position after pressing the switch so that the actuator bends;
A signal transmitter for generating a predetermined signal and transmitting the generated signal;
Power transmission means for supplying the signal transmitter with electric power generated in the actuator when stress is applied to the actuator;
Comprising
The actuator generates power by free vibration when the switch is pressed and when the switch returns to the original position by the return means, and the signal transmitter is supplied with electric power from the actuator via the power transmission means. A signal transmission device that operates only by means of. By a person pushes the switch signal transmitter according to claim 1, characterized in that the free vibration of the actuator is caused. The signal transmitter is
A signal generator for generating a predetermined digital signal;
A modulator for modulating the digital signal;
A signal transmitter that transmits the signal modulated by the modulator as a radio wave;
The signal transmission device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device according to claim 3 , wherein the signal generation unit repeatedly transmits the predetermined digital signal. It further comprises detection means for detecting the operation of the switch,
The signal generator is detected by the detection means during the return operation of the switch by the return means, at the time of return, or at a timing before a predetermined time elapses after the switch returns to the original position. signal transmitting device according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that to generate the signal.

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