JP6751908B2 - Electronic switch device and electronic switch system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to electronic switch devices and electronic switch systems, and more particularly to electronic switch devices and electronic switch systems including a switch unit that is electrically connected between an AC power source and a load.

Conventionally, an electronic switch device (automatic switch with a heat ray sensor) that detects heat rays radiated from a human body and turns a load on / off is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The electronic switch device described in Patent Document 1 includes a load control circuit having a primary winding of a current transformer, a full-wave rectifier, and a bidirectional thyristor that controls power supply to a load on / off between connection terminals. Are connected in series.

Further, in the electronic switch device described in Patent Document 1, a power supply circuit is connected between the DC output terminals of the full-wave rectifier. The power supply circuit supplies power to a constant voltage circuit that generates a control power supply (operating power supply) for a control IC (Integrated Circuit) when the load is not energized. Further, when the load is energized, the auxiliary power supply circuit supplies power to the constant voltage circuit by the current flowing through the secondary winding of the current transformer.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-131456

The electronic switch device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to miniaturize it because a current transformer is required to secure a control power source when a load is applied.

The present invention has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic switch device and an electronic switch system capable of miniaturization.

The electronic switch device of the present invention includes a switch unit, a power supply unit, a switch control unit, two or more power supply paths, a switching unit, a voltage monitoring unit, and a switching control unit. The switch unit is electrically connected between the AC power supply and the load, and switches between conduction and non-conduction between the AC power supply and the load. The power supply unit is electrically connected between both ends of the switch unit, and a control power source is generated by the power supplied from the AC power source. The switch control unit operates by receiving the supply of the control power supply from the power supply unit to control the switch unit. The two or more power supply paths are electrically connected between both ends of the switch section and serve as a path for the supplied power between the switch section and the power supply section. The switching unit switches the power supply path used for the supply power path to any one of the two or more power supply paths. The voltage monitoring unit monitors the magnitude of the voltage between switches, which is the voltage across the switch unit. The switching control unit controls the switching unit based on the waveform of the voltage between the switches.

The electronic switch system of the present invention includes a plurality of the electronic switch devices, and the plurality of switch units included in the plurality of electronic switch devices are electrically connected in parallel between the AC power supply and the load. When the switch portion of any one of the plurality of electronic switch devices becomes conductive, the switch portion of any one of the plurality of electronic switch devices becomes conductive. In another electronic switch device in which the switch unit is in a non-conducting state among the plurality of electronic switch devices, the switching control unit controls the switching unit so that the power supply path used for the supply power path is switched.

The present invention has an advantage that it can be miniaturized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a configuration of an electronic switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the configuration of the electronic switch system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the first operation of the electronic switch system of the above. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the second operation of the electronic switch system of the above. FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a configuration of an electronic switch system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
(1) Outline As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic switch devices 1A and 1B according to the first embodiment are electrically connected between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12, and the AC power supply 11 to the load 12 are energized. It is a wiring device that switches between. The electronic switch devices 1A and 1B are attached to, for example, a wall of a house. The AC power supply 11 is, for example, a single-phase 100 [V] or 60 [Hz] commercial power supply. The load 12 is, for example, a lighting device including a light source having an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a lighting circuit for lighting the light source. With this load 12, the light source lights up when power is supplied from the AC power supply 11.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the electronic switch system 10 is composed of two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B. That is, the electronic switch system 10 includes a plurality of (here, two) electronic switch devices 1A and 1B. The two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B adopt a configuration common to each other. Hereinafter, when the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B are not particularly distinguished, each of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B is referred to as "electronic switch device 1".

The electronic switch device 1 includes, for example, a switch unit Q1 composed of a bidirectional thyristor and a semiconductor switch such as a transistor. The electronic switch device 1 electronically switches between conduction and non-conduction between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12 by electronically controlling the switch unit Q1.

In the present embodiment, the electronic switch device 1 is a so-called three-way switch capable of connecting three wires. The electronic switch device 1 includes three connection terminals 101, 102, and 103. Therefore, in the electronic switch system 10 that combines the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B, it is possible to switch the energization state of the load 12 at two places, for example, the upper floor part and the lower floor part of the stairs in the building. is there.

In the example of FIG. 2, the connection terminal 101 of the electronic switch device 1A (hereinafter, also referred to as “first electronic switch device 1A”) is connected to the load 12. The connection terminal 101 of the electronic switch device 1B (hereinafter, also referred to as “second electronic switch device 1B”) is connected to the AC power supply 11. Further, the connection terminal 102 of the electronic switch device 1A is connected to the connection terminal 103 of the electronic switch device 1B. The connection terminal 103 of the electronic switch device 1A is connected to the connection terminal 102 of the electronic switch device 1B. In each electronic switch device 1, the connection terminal 101 and the connection terminal 102 are connected inside the electronic switch device 1.

Further, in each electronic switch device 1, the switch unit Q1 is connected between the connection terminal 101 and the connection terminal 103. Therefore, in each electronic switch device 1, when the switch unit Q1 is conductive (on), the connection terminal 101 and the connection terminal 102 and the connection terminal 103 are electrically connected to each other via the switch unit Q1. Further, in each electronic switch device 1, when the switch unit Q1 is non-conducting (off), the connection terminal 101 and the connection terminal 102 and the connection terminal 103 are non-conducting.

That is, the plurality of switch units Q1 included in each of the plurality of (here, two) electronic switch devices 1A and 1B are electrically connected in parallel between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12. Therefore, in the electronic switch system 10, if any of the switch portions Q1 of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B is conducting, the AC power supply 11 and the load 12 are electrically connected, and the two electronic switch devices 1A, Power is supplied from the AC power source 11 to the load 12 via 1B. Therefore, in the electronic switch system 10, it is possible to switch the energization state of the load 12 in both the switch unit Q1 of the electronic switch device 1A and the switch unit Q1 of the electronic switch device 1B.

(2) Details (2.1) Overall Configuration of Electronic Switch Device The configuration of the electronic switch device of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic switch device 1 includes a rectifier 2 and a circuit unit 3 in addition to the switch unit Q1 and the three connection terminals 101, 102, 103. These switch units Q1, three connection terminals 101, 102, 103, a rectifier 2, and a circuit unit 3 are housed in one housing, and the housing is fixed to a wall or the like so that the electronic switch device 1 Is mounted on a wall or the like.

The switch unit Q1 is electrically connected between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12, and switches between conduction and non-conduction between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12. In the present embodiment, the switch unit Q1 is composed of a three-terminal bidirectional thyristor (triac). The switch unit Q1 is electrically connected between the connection terminal 101 and the connection terminal 103, and switches bidirectional current passage / cutoff between the connection terminal 101 and the connection terminal 103. The control terminal (gate terminal of the bidirectional thyristor) of the switch unit Q1 is electrically connected to the circuit unit 3. As a result, the switch unit Q1 is controlled by the switch control unit 51, which will be described later. In FIGS. 1 and 2, etc., the switch unit Q1 is represented by a circuit symbol similar to that of a mechanical switch having contacts.

Each of the three connection terminals 101, 102, 103 is a component to which wiring is electrically and mechanically connected. As described above, the switch unit Q1 is connected between the first connection terminal 101 and the third connection terminal 103. The second connection terminal 102 is a feed terminal of the first connection terminal 101, and is electrically connected to the first connection terminal 101.

The rectifier 2 includes a diode bridge. The commutator 2 full-wave rectifies the voltage applied between both ends of the switch unit Q1 (hereinafter, also referred to as “switch-to-switch voltage Vsw”) and outputs the voltage to the circuit unit 3. Therefore, the circuit unit 3 is connected between the DC output terminals of the rectifier 2. The circuit unit 3 uses the electric power after full-wave rectification input from the rectifier 2 to generate a “control power supply” necessary for controlling the switch unit Q1 and driving the sensor unit 31, for example.

In the following, it is assumed that the AC voltage Vac is applied to the switch unit Q1 from the AC power supply 11 in a non-conducting state in both the switch units Q1 of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B. That is, when both of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B are in the off state, the switch voltage Vsw becomes equal to the AC voltage Vac from the AC power supply 11. The polarity of the AC voltage Vac is positive in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

Next, the details of the circuit unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The circuit unit 3 includes a power generation block 4, a control unit 5, a sensor unit 31, and a voltage monitoring unit 32.

The power generation block 4 has two power supply paths (first power supply path 41 and second power supply path 42), a power supply unit 43, and a switching unit 44. The power supply unit 43 is electrically connected between both ends of the switch unit Q1 and is configured to generate a control power supply by the power supplied from the AC power supply 11. The first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42 are electrically connected in parallel between the switch unit Q1 and the power supply unit 43. Therefore, two routes, one including the first power supply path 41 and the other including the second power supply path 42, are formed as the paths for the power supplied from the AC power source 11 to the power supply unit 43. The switching unit 44 is electrically connected between the switch unit Q1 and the two power supply paths (first power supply path 41 and second power supply path). The switching unit 44 is configured to switch the power supply path used for the path of the power supplied from the AC power source 11 to the power supply unit 43 between the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42. Note that "switching the power supply path" means electrically switching the power supply path used for the supply power path between the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42, and the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42. It is not limited to physically switching to the power supply path 42.

The first power supply path 41 is composed of a low impedance element having a relatively low impedance. The second power supply path 42 includes a high impedance element having a relatively high impedance. As an example of the low impedance element, for example, there is a load switch including a PNP type bipolar transistor. The load switch is electrically connected in series between the switching unit 44 and the power supply unit 43, and when it is turned on, the impedance of the first power supply path 41 is lowered. The load switch is not limited to the configuration including the bipolar transistor, and may be configured to include, for example, a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). As an example of the high impedance element, there is a dropper circuit that steps down the input voltage (voltage between switches Vsw) and outputs it to the power supply unit 43.

The switching unit 44 includes, for example, a semiconductor switch such as a transistor, and is electrically connected between the power input terminal 401 and the first power supply path 41. The power input terminal 401 is electrically connected to the DC output terminal of the positive electrode of the rectifier 2. When the switching unit 44 is turned on, the first power supply path 41 is used as the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43, and when the switching unit 44 is turned off, the second power supply is supplied to the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43. Road 42 is used. For example, if the low impedance element is a load switch including a bipolar transistor, when the switching unit 44 is turned on, a base current flows through the bipolar transistor of the load switch. The switching unit 44 is controlled by a switching control unit 52, which will be described later. Based on the switching control signal output from the switching control unit 52, the switching unit 44 sets a power supply path used for the path of the power supplied to the power supply unit 43 between the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42. Switch. In FIG. 1, the switching unit 44 is represented by a circuit symbol similar to that of a mechanical switch having contacts.

The power supply unit 43 has a capacitor C1 and a regulator 45. The capacitor C1 is electrically connected between the output terminals of the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42 and the ground (reference potential point). The regulator 45 is a three-terminal regulator (series regulator). The input terminal of the regulator 45 is electrically connected to the terminal on the high potential side of the capacitor C1, that is, the output terminal of each of the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42. The regulator 45 converts the voltage across the capacitor C1 into a predetermined voltage and outputs the voltage. The output terminal of the regulator 45 corresponds to the output terminal of the power supply unit 43, and is electrically connected to the power supply output terminal 402. The power output terminal 402 is electrically connected to the control unit 5.

That is, between the DC output terminals of the rectifier 2, the parallel circuit of the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42 and the power supply unit 43 are electrically connected in series. A full-wave rectified switch-to-switch voltage Vsw, that is, a pulsating voltage output from the rectifier 2, is applied between the power input terminal 401 and the ground (reference potential point). As a result, the capacitor C1 is charged. The power supplied to the power supply unit 43 is supplied to the power supply unit 43 via either the first power supply path 41 or the second power supply path 42, depending on the connection destination of the power input terminal 401 by the switching unit 44. It will be.

The "terminal" such as the "power input terminal" in the present embodiment does not have to have an entity as a component (terminal) for connecting an electric wire or the like, and is included in, for example, a lead of an electronic component or a circuit board. It may be part of a conductor.

The control unit 5 operates by receiving the supply of control power from the power generation block 4. The control unit 5 includes a switch control unit 51 that controls the switch unit Q1 and a switching control unit 52 that controls the switching unit 44.

The switch control unit 51 outputs a switch control signal to the control terminal (gate terminal of the bidirectional thyristor) of the switch unit Q1 based on the detection result of the sensor unit 31. As a result, the switch control unit 51 controls the switch unit Q1 so as to switch between conduction and non-conduction of the switch unit Q1. Further, when the switch unit Q1 is turned on, the control unit 5 determines the timing of outputting the switch control signal based on the monitoring signal output from the voltage monitoring unit 32. The control unit 5 includes a drive circuit for driving the switch unit Q1, and the control unit 5 directly controls the switch unit Q1.

The switching control unit 52 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 44 based on the monitoring signal output from the voltage monitoring unit 32. As a result, the switching control unit 52 controls the switching unit 44 so that the power supply path used for the path of the power supplied to the power supply unit 43 is switched between the first power supply path and the second power supply path.

The control unit 5 includes, for example, a microcomputer as a main configuration. The microcomputer realizes the function as the control unit 5 by executing the program recorded in the memory of the microcomputer by the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The program may be recorded in the memory of the microcomputer in advance, may be recorded in a recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or may be provided through a telecommunication line. In other words, the program is a program for causing the microcomputer to function as the control unit 5.

The sensor unit 31 detects whether or not a person is present in the detection area. The sensor unit 31 includes, for example, a pyroelectric element, and determines whether or not a person is present in the detection area by detecting infrared rays emitted from the human body. When the sensor unit 31 detects that a person is present in the detection area, the sensor unit 31 outputs an on control instruction for turning on the switch unit Q1 to the switch control unit 51 of the control unit 5.

The voltage monitoring unit 32 is configured to monitor (detect) the magnitude of the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw, which is the voltage across the switch unit Q1. In the present embodiment, the voltage monitoring unit 32 is electrically connected between the DC output terminals of the rectifier 2 and monitors the magnitude of the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw after full-wave rectification. The voltage monitoring unit 32 compares the magnitude (absolute value) of the voltage Vsw between switches with the reference value, and outputs a monitoring signal representing the comparison result to the control unit 5. The reference value is a value (absolute value) set near 0 [V], and is, for example, about several [V]. The voltage monitoring unit 32 also functions as a zero-cross detection unit that detects the zero-cross point [0V] of the AC voltage Vac, but the zero-cross detection point is slightly delayed from the zero-cross point [0V] of the AC voltage Vac.

When the switch control unit 51 receives an ON control instruction from the sensor unit 31, the switch control unit 51 outputs a switch control signal to the switch unit Q1 based on the monitoring signal from the voltage monitoring unit 32. Specifically, the switch control unit 51 conducts the switch unit Q1 when the magnitude (absolute value) of the voltage Vsw between switches becomes equal to or larger than the reference value based on the monitoring signal from the voltage monitoring unit 32. .. Since the switch unit Q1 is composed of a bidirectional thyristor as described above, it conducts when a switch control signal is input, and becomes non-conducting near the zero crossing point (0 [V]) of the AC voltage Vac from the AC power supply 11. .. Strictly speaking, after the switch unit Q1 conducts, when the current flowing through the switch unit Q1 becomes 0 [A], the switch unit Q1 becomes non-conducting, so that it is faster than the zero crossing point of the AC voltage Vac depending on the type of the load 12. The switch unit Q1 may become non-conducting at the timing. Therefore, the switch control unit 51 conducts the switch unit Q1 by outputting a switch control signal every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac. That is, the on state of the switch unit Q1 referred to here includes not only a state in which the switch unit Q1 is continuously conducting, but also a state in which the switch unit Q1 is intermittently conducting. Further, when the switch unit Q1 is turned off, the switch control unit 51 keeps the switch unit Q1 non-conducting by not outputting the switch control signal to the switch unit Q1.

When the switch control unit 51 controls the switch unit Q1 to the off state, the switching control unit 52 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 44 based on the monitoring signal from the voltage monitoring unit 32. Specifically, the switching control unit 52 has a length of time (hereinafter, "pulse width") in which the magnitude (absolute value) of the voltage between switches Vsw is equal to or greater than the reference value based on the monitoring signal from the voltage monitoring unit 32. ”) And the threshold value. The switching control unit 52 sends a switching control signal to the switching unit 44 so that the first power supply path 41 is used as a path for the power supplied to the power supply unit 43 when the pulse width is less than the threshold value a plurality of times in succession. Output. Further, when the pulse width is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the switching control unit 52 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 44 so that the second power supply path 42 is used as a path for the power supplied to the power supply unit 43. That is, the switching control unit 52 uses the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path as the power supply path to the power supply unit 43 depending on whether or not the pulse width of the switch voltage Vsw is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The switching unit 44 is controlled so as to switch between 42 and 42. Further, in the present embodiment, the threshold value is set to about 1/8 of one cycle of the AC voltage Vac. Note that "1/8 of one cycle of the AC voltage Vac" is an example of the threshold value and is not limited to this value. The pulse width of the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw may be the length of time during which the magnitude (absolute value) of the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw is less than the reference value. In this case, the switching control unit 52 switches the switching control signal so that the first power supply path 41 is used as the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43 when the state in which the pulse width is equal to or larger than the threshold value is continuously performed a plurality of times. Output to unit 44. Further, when the pulse width is less than the threshold value, the switching control unit 52 outputs the switching control signal to the switching unit 44 so that the second power supply path 42 is used as the path of the power supplied to the power supply unit 43.

Further, when the switch control unit 51 controls the switch unit Q1 in the ON state, the switching control unit 52 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 44 regardless of the monitoring signal from the voltage monitoring unit 32. That is, the switching control unit 52 outputs the switching control signal to the switching unit 44 so that the first power supply path 41 is used as the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43 while the switch unit Q1 is in the ON state. ..

(2.2) Operation Next, the operations of the electronic switch device 1 and the electronic switch system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 illustrates an operation when the switch unit Q1 of both the first electronic switch device 1A and the second electronic switch device 1B is in the off state. FIG. 4 illustrates an operation when the switch unit Q1 of the first electronic switch device 1A is in the off state and the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is in the on state. 3 and 4 show the AC voltage “Vac”, the voltage between switches “Vsw”, the monitoring signal “S1a” of the first electronic switch device 1A, and the monitoring signal “S1b” of the second electronic switch device 1B, in order from the top. It shows the continuity / non-conduction of the switch portion Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B. Regarding "Q1" indicating continuity / non-conduction of the switch unit Q1, "ON" represents continuity and "OFF" represents non-conduction. In the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, the signal levels of the monitoring signals S1a and S1b are based on the L level (Low level) and the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw when the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw is equal to or higher than the reference value Vth1. When the value is less than Vth1, it is the H level (High level).

First, the operation when the switch unit Q1 of both the first electronic switch device 1A and the second electronic switch device 1B is in the off state will be described with reference to FIG.

Although FIG. 3 shows the voltage across the switch unit Q1 in the first electronic switch device 1A, the voltage across the switch unit Q1 in the second electronic switch device 1B is also across the switch unit Q1 in the first electronic switch device 1A. It is the same as the voltage. Further, in FIG. 3, the time point t0 is the zero crossing point when the AC voltage Vac shifts from the negative electrode property to the positive electrode property. At time point t1, the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw exceeds the reference value Vth1, and at time point t2, the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw is below the reference value Vth1. The time point t3 is the zero crossing point when the AC voltage Vac shifts from the positive electrode property to the negative electrode property. At the time point t4, the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw exceeds the reference value Vth1, and at the time point t5, the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw is lower than the reference value Vth1.

In this state, since the switch unit Q1 of both the first electronic switch device 1A and the second electronic switch device 1B is in the off state, the switch voltage Vsw is the AC voltage Vac in either of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B. It becomes the same voltage as. Therefore, the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw exceeds the reference value Vth1 in the period from the time point t1 to the time point t2 and the period from the time point t4 to the time point t5, which is most of the period of one cycle of the AC voltage Vac. As a result, the length (pulse width) of the period during which the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw is equal to or greater than the reference value Vth1 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value. Therefore, in either of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B, the second power supply path 42 is used as a path for the power supplied to the power supply unit 43.

Next, the operation when the switch unit Q1 of the first electronic switch device 1A is in the off state and the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is in the on state will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, the time point t10 is the zero cross point when the AC voltage Vac shifts from the negative electrode property to the positive electrode property. At the time point t11, the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw exceeds the reference value Vth1, and at the time point t12 immediately after the time point t11, the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is conducted, and the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw is the reference. Below the value Vth1. The time point t13 is the zero crossing point when the AC voltage Vac shifts from the positive electrode property to the negative electrode property. At the time point t4, the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw exceeds the reference value Vth1, and at the time point t15 immediately after the time point t14, the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is conducted, and the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw is the reference. Below the value Vth1.

In this state, while the switch portion Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is conducting, either of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B is short-circuited between both ends of the switch portion Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B. , The voltage between switches Vsw is approximately 0 [V].

The switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B becomes non-conducting near the zero crossing point (0 [V]) of the AC voltage Vac, and conducts when the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw exceeds the reference value Vth1. While the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw is less than the reference value Vth1, the monitoring signals S1a and S1b are at the H level, but when the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw becomes the reference value Vth1 or more, the monitoring signals S1a and S1b are Become L level. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4, the monitoring signals S1a and S1b are at the H level during the period from the time t12 when the switch unit Q1 is conducted to the time t14 when the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw reaches the reference value Vth1. At t14, the monitoring signals S1a and S1b become L level.

When the monitoring signal S1b reaches the L level, the switch control unit 51 of the second electronic switch device 1B conducts the switch unit Q1. Therefore, at the time point t12 immediately after the time point t11 and the time point t15 immediately after the time point t14, the switch portion Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B becomes conductive, and the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw becomes approximately 0 [V]. Therefore, at the time points t12 and t15, the monitoring signals S1a and S1b become H level. While the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is in the ON state, the second electronic switch device 1B repeats the above operation. As a result, in either of the two electronic switch devices 1A and 1B, the inter-switch voltage Vsw is intermittently generated during the period from the time point t10 to the time point t12 and the time point t13 to the time point t15, and the power supply unit 43 is supplied with the voltage Vsw. Power is supplied.

As described above, while the switch portion Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is conducting, the inter-switch voltage Vsw of the first electronic switch device 1A is also approximately 0 [V]. Therefore, the first electronic switch device 1A can detect the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B by monitoring the voltage Vsw between switches.

In FIG. 4, in the first electronic switch device 1A, the period in which the absolute value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw is equal to or higher than the reference value Vth1 is a short period from the time point t11 to the time point t12 and from the time point t14 to the time point t15. That is, a state in which the length (pulse width) of the period during which the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw is equal to or greater than the reference value Vth1 is less than the threshold value continuously occurs. Therefore, in the first electronic switch device 1A, the first power supply path 41 is used as a path for the power supplied to the power supply unit 43.

In the second electronic switch device 1B, in the switching control unit 52, the switch control unit 51 controls the switch unit Q1 to be in the ON state, so that the first power supply path 41 is used as the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43. The switching unit 44 is controlled so as to.

(3) Advantages As described above, the electronic switch device 1 according to the first aspect includes a switch unit Q1, a power supply unit 43, a switch control unit 51, and two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, A second power supply path 42), a switching unit 44, a voltage monitoring unit 32, and a switching control unit 52 are provided. The switch unit Q1 is electrically connected between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12, and switches between conduction and non-conduction between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12. The power supply unit 43 is electrically connected between both ends of the switch unit Q1 and generates a control power supply by the power supplied from the AC power supply 11. The switch control unit 51 operates by receiving the supply of control power from the power supply unit 43, and controls the switch unit Q1. Two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42) are electrically connected between both ends of the switch section Q1 and serve as power supply paths between the switch section Q1 and the power supply section 43. .. The switching unit 44 switches the power supply path used for the supply power path to any one of two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42). The voltage monitoring unit 32 monitors the magnitude of the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw, which is the voltage across the switch unit Q1. The switching control unit 52 controls the switching unit 44 based on the waveform of the voltage Vsw between switches.

According to this configuration, there are two power supply paths (first power supply path 41 and second power supply path 42) as power supply paths from the AC power supply 11 to the power supply unit 43, via one of the power supply paths. The power supply is supplied to the power supply unit 43. Switching between the two power supply paths (first power supply path 41 and second power supply path 42) is performed based on the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw. In the electronic switch device 1, the voltage monitoring unit 32 monitors the voltage Vsw between switches, so that the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 in the other electronic switch device 1 can be detected. For example, assume that the switch unit Q1 of the first electronic switch device 1A is in the off state and the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is in the on state. In this case, the first electronic switch device 1A in which the switch unit Q1 is in the off state may detect that the switch unit Q1 in the second electronic switch device 1B is in the on state based on the waveform of the voltage Vsw between switches. it can. Therefore, the first electronic switch device 1A switches the power supply path according to the ON state of the switch unit Q1 in the second electronic switch device 1B. That is, in the electronic switch device 1, the power supply path is switched according to the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 in the other electronic switch device 1. As a result, the electronic switch device 1 can supply power to the power supply unit 43 using a suitable power supply path, and can secure a control power supply from the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw. As a result, the electronic switch device 1 does not require a current transformer to secure a control power source when the load 12 is energized, and can be miniaturized.

Further, in the configuration in which the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 in the other electronic switch device 1 is detected based on the voltage across the capacitor C1 of the power supply unit 43, the switch unit Q1 is turned on / off depending on the voltage across the capacitor C1. There is a risk of false detection of the status. With respect to such a configuration, the electronic switch device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to directly detect the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 in the other electronic switch device 1 based on the voltage Vsw between switches. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 is high. Therefore, the electronic switch device 1 can supply electric power to the power supply unit 43 using a power supply path that is more suitable for the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 in the other electronic switch device 1.

Further, in the electronic switch device 1 according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the voltage monitoring unit 32 has the switch unit Q1 and two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42). It is preferably electrically connected between them. According to this configuration, the voltage monitoring unit 32 can monitor the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw before the voltage is dropped by the power supply path (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42), so that the switch unit Q1 can monitor the voltage Vsw. It is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the on / off state. However, this configuration is not indispensable for the electronic switch device 1, and the voltage monitoring unit 32 is located between, for example, two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42) and the power supply unit 43. It may be electrically connected.

Further, in the electronic switch device 1 according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, two or more power supply paths include a first power supply path 41 and a second power supply path 42, and the first power supply path 41 Is preferably lower in impedance than the second feeding path 42. According to this configuration, it is possible to switch to a feeding path having a different impedance according to the on / off state of the switch unit Q1, and it is possible to efficiently secure a control power source from the switch voltage Vsw. However, this configuration is not indispensable for the electronic switch device 1, and two or more feeding paths may include feeding paths having the same impedance.

Further, in the electronic switch device 1 according to the fourth aspect, in the first or second aspect, the switching control unit 52 has a pulse in which the voltage between the switches is equal to or more than a reference value or less than a reference value. It is preferable to control the switching unit 44 based on the width. According to this configuration, the switching control unit 52 can detect the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 based on the pulse width of the inter-switch voltage Vsw, and complicated arithmetic processing is not required. However, this configuration is not essential to the electronic switch device 1, and for example, the switching control unit 52 may control the switching unit 44 based on the effective value (mean value) of the inter-switch voltage Vsw. Further, the switching control unit 52 may control the switching unit 44 based on the peak value of the inter-switch voltage Vsw in every half cycle of the AC voltage Vac.

Further, in the electronic switch device 1 according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the two or more power supply paths include the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42, and the first power supply path 41 is the first. 2 It is preferable that the impedance is lower than that of the feeding path 42. When the pulse width is less than the threshold value, the switching control unit 52 preferably controls the switching unit 44 so that the first power supply path 41 is used for the supply power path. According to this configuration, when the switch unit Q1 is in the ON state and the magnitude of the voltage Vsw between switches is small, the first power supply path 41 having a low impedance is used as the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43. As a result, it is possible to efficiently secure the control power source even when the load 12 is energized. Further, when the switch unit Q1 is in the off state and the voltage Vsw between switches is large, the second power supply path 42 having a large impedance is used as a path for the power supplied to the power supply unit 43. As a result, when the switch unit Q1 is in the off state, the leak current flowing through the second power supply path 42 to the load 12 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of malfunction of the load 12 can be suppressed. However, this configuration is not indispensable for the electronic switch device 1, and is configured to, for example, adjust the duty of the current intermittently supplied to the power supply unit 43 according to the on / off state of the switch unit Q1. It may have been done.

Further, the electronic switch device 1 according to the sixth aspect further includes a sensor unit 31 in any one of the first to fifth aspects, and the switch control unit 51 further includes a switch unit Q1 based on the output of the sensor unit 31. It is preferable that it is configured to control. According to this configuration, the sensor unit 31 can be driven by the control power source generated by the power supply unit 43, and the switch unit Q1 can be automatically controlled by the output of the sensor unit 31. However, this configuration is not essential for the electronic switch device 1, and the sensor unit 31 is appropriately omitted.

Further, the electronic switch system 10 according to the first aspect includes a plurality of electronic switch devices 1 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and the plurality of switch units Q1 included in the plurality of electronic switch devices 1 are alternating current. It is electrically connected in parallel between the power supply 11 and the load 12. When the switch unit Q1 of any one of the plurality of electronic switch devices 1 becomes conductive, the other electronic switch device 1 in which the switch unit Q1 of the plurality of electronic switch devices 1 is in a non-conducting state , The switching control unit 52 controls the switching unit 44 so that the power supply path used for the supply power path is switched.

In other words, the electronic switch system 10 includes a plurality of electronic switch devices 1. Each of these plurality of electronic switch devices 1 includes a switch unit Q1, a power supply unit 43, a switch control unit 51, two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42), and a switching unit 44. A voltage monitoring unit 32 and a switching control unit 52 are provided. The switch unit Q1 is electrically connected between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12, and switches between conduction and non-conduction between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12. The power supply unit 43 is electrically connected between both ends of the switch unit Q1 and generates a control power supply by the power supplied from the AC power supply 11. The switch control unit 51 operates by receiving a control power supply from the power supply unit 43, and controls the switch unit Q1. Two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42) are electrically connected between both ends of the switch section Q1 and serve as power supply paths between the switch section Q1 and the power supply section 43. .. The switching unit 44 switches the power supply path used for the supply power path to any one of two or more power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 42). The voltage monitoring unit 32 monitors the magnitude of the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw, which is the voltage across the switch unit Q1. The switching control unit 52 controls the switching unit 44 based on the waveform of the voltage Vsw between switches. The plurality of switch units Q1 included in the plurality of electronic switch devices 1 are electrically connected in parallel between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12. When the switch unit Q1 of any one of the plurality of electronic switch devices 1 becomes conductive, one or more other electronic switches in which the switch unit Q1 of the plurality of electronic switch devices 1 is in a non-conducting state. In the device 1, one or more switching control units 52 control one or more switching units 44 so that the power supply path used for the supply power path is switched.

According to this configuration, in each of the plurality of electronic switch devices 1, there are two power supply paths (first power supply path 41 and second power supply path 42) as power supply paths from the AC power supply 11 to the power supply unit 43. , The supplied power is supplied through one of the power supply paths. Switching between the two power supply paths (first power supply path 41 and second power supply path 42) is performed based on the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw. In the electronic switch device 1, the voltage monitoring unit 32 monitors the voltage Vsw between switches, so that the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 in the other electronic switch device 1 can be detected. For example, assume that the switch unit Q1 of the first electronic switch device 1A is in the off state and the switch unit Q1 of the second electronic switch device 1B is in the on state. In this case, the first electronic switch device 1A in which the switch unit Q1 is in the off state may detect that the switch unit Q1 in the second electronic switch device 1B is in the on state based on the waveform of the voltage Vsw between switches. it can. Therefore, the first electronic switch device 1A switches the power supply path according to the ON state of the switch unit Q1 in the second electronic switch device 1B. That is, in the electronic switch device 1, the power supply path is switched according to the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 in the other electronic switch device 1. As a result, the electronic switch device 1 can supply power to the power supply unit 43 using a suitable power supply path, and can secure a control power supply from the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw. As a result, the electronic switch device 1 does not require a current transformer to secure a control power source when the load 12 is energized, and can be miniaturized. In particular, in the electronic switch system 10 in which two electronic switch devices 1 composed of three-way switches are combined, either the electronic switch device 1A in which the switch unit Q1 is off and the electronic switch device 1B in which the switch unit Q1 is on are available. , It is possible to secure a control power supply.

(4) Modified Example The electronic switch device 1 according to the first embodiment is only an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and the present invention may be other than the first embodiment. As long as it does not deviate from the technical idea of the above, various changes can be made according to the design and the like. The modified examples of the first embodiment are listed below.

The load 12 is not limited to the lighting device, and may be, for example, an electric device such as a ventilation fan and a security device. Further, the load 12 is not limited to one electric device, and may be a plurality of electric devices electrically connected in series or in parallel.

Further, the switch unit Q1 is not limited to the bidirectional thyristor, and may be another semiconductor switch. The switch unit Q1 may be, for example, two MOSFETs electrically connected in series between the first connection terminal 101 and the third connection terminal 103. The two MOSFETs switch bidirectional current passage / interruption by connecting the source terminals to each other, that is, by connecting them in so-called anti-series. Furthermore, the switch unit Q1 may be a semiconductor element having a double gate (dual gate) structure using a semiconductor material having a wide band gap such as GaN (gallium nitride).

Further, the number of power supply paths (first power supply path 41, second power supply path 43) serving as a path for power supply to the power supply unit 43 is not limited to 2, and may be 3 or more.

Further, a drive circuit for driving the switch unit Q1 may be provided separately from the control unit 5. In this case, the control power supply is also used for the operation of the drive circuit.

Further, the sensor unit 31 is not limited to a motion sensor that detects whether or not a person is present, and may be, for example, a brightness sensor. Alternatively, the sensor unit 31 may have both a motion sensor and a brightness sensor. Further, the electronic switch device 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the switch unit Q1 is controlled based on the detection result of the sensor unit 31, and is, for example, an electronic switch device having a remote control function, a timer function, or a dimming function. May be good. For example, in the case of the electronic switch device 1 with a remote control function, the control unit 5 controls the switch unit Q1 based on a wireless signal from the remote controller. Furthermore, the electronic switch device 1 may have a configuration in which the switch unit Q1 is controlled based on a human operation on an operation unit such as a push button switch or a touch switch.

Further, the voltage monitoring unit 32 may be configured to monitor the magnitude of the inter-switch voltage Vsw before full-wave rectification instead of the inter-switch voltage Vsw after full-wave rectification. In this case, the voltage monitoring unit 32 is electrically connected between the AC input terminals of the rectifier 2. The voltage monitoring unit 32 also functions as a zero-crossing detection unit for detecting the zero-crossing point and a state detecting unit for detecting the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 of the other electronic switch device 1. , The zero cross detection unit and the state detection unit may be provided separately. The state detection unit may be configured to compare only the magnitude of the inter-switch voltage Vsw with the reference value of the positive electrode property, or may be configured to compare only the magnitude of the inter-switch voltage Vsw with the reference value of the negative electrode property.

Further, the switch control unit 51 may be configured to conduct the switch unit Q1 when a predetermined time elapses after the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw becomes equal to or higher than the reference value. After the absolute value of the switch voltage Vsw becomes equal to or higher than the reference value, the switch unit Q1 is held in a non-conducting state for a predetermined time. As a result, even if the reference value varies among the plurality of electronic switch devices 1, when the switch unit Q1 of the other electronic switch device 1 becomes conductive, the voltage Vsw between the switches of its own electronic switch device 1 Is suppressed from reaching the standard value. Therefore, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the on / off state of the switch unit Q1 of the other electronic switch device 1.

Furthermore, the switch control unit 51 may be configured to output a switch control signal to the switch unit Q1 based on the voltage across the capacitor C1 of the power supply unit 43. The switch control unit 51 conducts the switch unit Q1 when the voltage across the capacitor C1 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage. This threshold voltage is the voltage across the capacitor C1 when the capacitor C1 is charged so that the control unit 5 and the sensor unit 31 can operate until the switch unit Q1 becomes non-conducting next time. ..

Further, in the switching control unit 52, when the continuous time in which the voltage Vsw between switches is less than the reference value continues for a predetermined time or more, the first power supply path 41 is used as the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43. It may be configured to control the switching unit 44. When the reference value varies among a plurality of electronic switch devices 1, the voltage Vsw between switches of the own electronic switch device 1 is the reference value even though the switch unit Q1 of the other electronic switch device 1 is in the ON state. May not be reached. Even in such a case, it can be detected that the switch unit Q1 of the other electronic switch device 1 is in the ON state, and the first power supply path 41 having a low impedance can be used as the path of the power supply to the power supply unit 43. it can.

Furthermore, even when the switch unit Q1 is controlled to the on state, the changeover control unit 52 switches based on the switch-to-switch voltage Vsw as in the case where the switch unit Q1 is controlled to the off state. It may be configured to control the unit 44.

Further, when the pulse width of the switch voltage Vsw is less than the threshold value, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which only the first power supply path 41 is used for the power supply path of the power supply unit 43. For example, the switching control unit 52 may be configured to alternately switch between the first power supply path 41 and the second power supply path 42 at predetermined intervals when the pulse width of the switch voltage Vsw is less than the threshold value. As a result, when the switch unit Q1 is switched from the on state to the off state, it is suppressed that the current continues to flow to the load 12 through the first power supply path 41, and the switch unit Q1 of the other electronic switch device 1 is turned on. It is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the / off state.

Further, when a load switch is used for the low impedance element of the first power supply path 41, the load switch and the switching unit 44 may be used in combination. By turning on the load switch, both ends of the second power supply path 42 are short-circuited by the first power supply path 41, and power is supplied to the power supply unit 43 via the first power supply path 41. Further, by turning off the load switch, electric power is supplied to the power supply unit 43 via the second power supply path 42.

Further, the specific circuit of the power supply unit 43 is not limited to the circuit shown in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed. In the power supply unit 43, for example, the capacitor C1 may be connected to the output of the regulator 45, or a capacitor different from the capacitor C1 may be connected to the output of the regulator 45. Further, the regulator 45 in the power supply unit 43 is not an essential configuration for the electronic switch device 1, and the regulator 45 may be omitted.

Further, in the first embodiment, in the comparison between two values such as the voltage between switches and the reference value, the place where "or more" is set is when the two values are equal and when one of the two values exceeds the other. Including both. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and "greater than or equal to" here may be synonymous with "greater than" including only the case where one of the two values exceeds the other. That is, whether or not the two values are equal can be arbitrarily changed depending on the setting of the reference value or the like, so there is no technical difference between "greater than or equal to" and "greater than". Similarly, "less than" may be synonymous with "less than or equal to".

(Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic switch system 10A according to the second embodiment includes a combination of three electronic switch devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

The electronic switch devices 1A and 1B are so-called three-way switches as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the electronic switch device 1C is a so-called four-way switch capable of connecting four wires. The electronic switch device 1C includes a fourth connection terminal 104 in addition to the three connection terminals 101, 102, 103 similar to those of the electronic switch devices 1A and 1B.

In the electronic switch device 1C, the connection terminal 103 and the connection terminal 104 are connected inside the electronic switch device 1C. The connection terminal 102 of the electronic switch device 1A is connected to the connection terminal 101 of the electronic switch device 1C. The connection terminal 103 of the electronic switch device 1A is connected to the connection terminal 104 of the electronic switch device 1C. The connection terminal 102 of the electronic switch device 1B is connected to the connection terminal 103 of the electronic switch device 1C. The connection terminal 103 of the electronic switch device 1B is connected to the connection terminal 102 of the electronic switch device 1C.

According to the connection relationship described above, the plurality of switch units Q1 provided in each of the plurality of (three in this case) electronic switch devices 1A, 1B, and 1C are electrically connected in parallel between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12. Will be done. Therefore, if the switch unit Q1 of any of the three electronic switch devices 1A, 1B, 1C is conducting, the AC power supply 11 and the load 12 are electrically connected, and the three electronic switch devices 1A, 1B, 1C are connected. Power is supplied from the AC power supply 11 to the load 12 via the AC power supply 11. Therefore, in the electronic switch system 10A, the energization state of the load 12 can be switched in all of the switch unit Q1 of the electronic switch device 1A, the switch unit Q1 of the electronic switch device 1B, and the switch unit Q1 of the electronic switch device 1C. Is. Therefore, in the electronic switch system 10A that combines the three electronic switch devices 1A, 1B, and 1C, the energization state of the load 12 can be switched at three points.

In the electronic switch system 10A of the present embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, the current transformer is not required to secure the control power supply when the load 12 is energized, and the electronic switch device 1 can be miniaturized. There is an advantage that there is.

Further, as a modification of the second embodiment, the electronic switch system 10A may include two or more electronic switch devices 1C (so-called four-way switches), and may include a total of four or more electronic switch devices 1A, 1B, 1C. Good. In this case, the plurality of switch units Q1 provided by the plurality of electronic switch devices 1A, 1B, and 1C are electrically connected in parallel between the AC power supply 11 and the load 12, so that the load 12 is energized. Can be switched at 4 or more locations.

The configuration of the second embodiment (including the modified example) can be applied in appropriate combination with the configuration of the first embodiment (including the modified example).

1,1A, 1B, 1C Electronic switch device 10, 10A Electronic switch system 11 AC power supply 12 Load 31 Sensor unit 32 Voltage monitoring unit 41 First power supply path (power supply path)
42 Second power supply path (power supply path)
43 Power supply unit 44 Switching unit 51 Switch control unit 52 Switching control unit Q1 Switch unit

Claims (7)

A switch unit that is electrically connected between the AC power supply and the load and switches between conduction and non-conduction between the AC power supply and the load.
A power supply unit that is electrically connected between both ends of the switch unit and generates a control power supply by the power supplied from the AC power supply.
A switch control unit that operates by receiving the supply of the control power supply from the power supply unit and controls the switch unit.
Two or more power supply paths that are electrically connected between both ends of the switch unit and serve as a path for the supplied power between the switch unit and the power supply unit.
A switching unit that switches the power supply path used for the power supply path to any one of the two or more power supply paths, and
A voltage monitoring unit that monitors the magnitude of the voltage between switches, which is the voltage across the switch unit,
An electronic switch device including a switching control unit that controls the switching unit based on a waveform of the voltage between switches. The electronic switch device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage monitoring unit is electrically connected between the switch unit and the two or more power supply paths. The two or more power supply paths include a first power supply path and a second power supply path.
The electronic switch device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first power supply path has a lower impedance than that of the second power supply path. The switching control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching control unit controls the switching unit based on a pulse width in which the voltage between switches is equal to or greater than a reference value or less than a reference value. Electronic switch device. The two or more power supply paths include a first power supply path and a second power supply path.
The first feeding path has a lower impedance than the second feeding path.
The electronic switch according to claim 4, wherein the switching control unit controls the switching unit so that the first power supply path is used for the supply power path when the pulse width is less than the threshold value. apparatus. Further equipped with a sensor unit
The electronic switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch control unit is configured to control the switch unit based on an output of the sensor unit. A plurality of electronic switch devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are provided.
The plurality of switch units included in the plurality of electronic switch devices are electrically connected in parallel between the AC power supply and the load.
When the switch portion of any one of the plurality of electronic switch devices becomes conductive, the other electronic switch device in which the switch portion is non-conducting among the plurality of electronic switch devices is described. The switching control unit is an electronic switch system characterized in that the switching control unit controls the switching unit so that the power supply path used for the supply power path is switched.

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