WO2021059711A1 - Wireless communication device, network system and network provision method - Google Patents

Wireless communication device, network system and network provision method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021059711A1
WO2021059711A1 PCT/JP2020/028312 JP2020028312W WO2021059711A1 WO 2021059711 A1 WO2021059711 A1 WO 2021059711A1 JP 2020028312 W JP2020028312 W JP 2020028312W WO 2021059711 A1 WO2021059711 A1 WO 2021059711A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wireless communication
unit
communication device
housing
access points
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Application number
PCT/JP2020/028312
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
修次 松浦
弘務 石橋
中野　真一
Original Assignee
パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
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Publication of WO2021059711A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021059711A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/30—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
    • H04W4/33—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/08—Access point devices

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to a method of providing a wireless communication device, a network system and a network, and more particularly to a method of providing a wireless communication device, a network system and a network having a function as an access point for wireless communication with a communication terminal.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication device (wireless LAN access point) that wirelessly communicates with a communication terminal (wireless LAN client terminal) such as a smartphone.
  • the wireless communication device described in Patent Document 1 can determine whether or not to perform transmission beamforming control depending on whether or not the throughput value required by the user on the communication terminal side can be obtained. Is. In Patent Document 1, it is assumed that a plurality of communication terminals exist in the vicinity of the wireless communication device.
  • the relative positional relationship with the communication terminal is restricted by the propagation characteristics of radio waves and the like, so communication is performed. There is a problem that the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal inside is low.
  • the present disclosure has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless communication device, a network system, and a method for providing a network, which increases the degree of freedom of movement of a communication terminal during communication.
  • the wireless communication device includes a wireless communication unit and a housing.
  • the wireless communication unit functions as one of the plurality of access points in a mesh network including the plurality of access points.
  • Each of the plurality of access points wirelessly communicates with a communication terminal.
  • the housing is fixed to the construction surface. The housing accommodates the wireless communication unit.
  • the network system includes the plurality of access points including the wireless communication device.
  • the network system constructs the mesh network with the plurality of access points.
  • the network providing method provides the mesh network constructed by the plurality of access points including the wireless communication device.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a facility into which the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment is introduced.
  • FIG. 2A is a front view of the wireless communication device of the same, with a cover attached to the housing.
  • FIG. 2B is a front view of the wireless communication device of the above, in a state where the cover is removed from the housing.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the network system according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of the same wireless communication device on the construction surface.
  • FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a state in which the wireless communication device of the above is attached to the construction surface.
  • FIG. 5A is a front view showing one aspect of the wireless communication device of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 5B is a front view showing another aspect of the wireless communication device of the same.
  • FIG. 6A is a front view showing one aspect of a wiring equipment system using the same wireless communication device.
  • FIG. 6B is a front view showing another aspect of the wiring fixture system of the same.
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram conceptually showing the network system according to the second embodiment.
  • the wireless communication device 1 is a device having a function as an access point 101 that performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 2.
  • a communication terminal 2 that performs wireless communication conforming to a standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) by being connected to an access point.
  • the wireless communication device 1 has a function as such an access point.
  • the wireless communication device 1 includes a wireless communication unit 11 (see FIG. 3), a housing 12 (see FIG. 2B), and a cover 13 (see FIG. 2A).
  • the wireless communication unit 11 functions as an access point 101 that wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2.
  • the housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300 (see FIG. 2B).
  • the housing 12 accommodates the wireless communication unit 11.
  • the cover 13 covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 that functions as the access point 101 is housed in the housing 12 fixed to the construction surface 300, a space for placing the stationary access point is secured. You can install the access point smartly without it. Moreover, since the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is covered with the cover 13, the cover 13 can protect the housing 12 from dust, moisture, oil, external force, etc., and further, the construction surface 300 It doesn't spoil the appearance. Therefore, according to the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment, the degree of freedom in installing the access point 101 is high.
  • the wireless communication device 1 includes a wireless communication unit 11 and a housing 12.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 functions as one of the plurality of access points 101 in the mesh network including the plurality of access points 101.
  • Each of the plurality of access points 101 wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2.
  • the housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300. The housing 12 accommodates the wireless communication unit 11.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 that functions as the access point 101 is housed in the housing 12 fixed to the construction surface 300, a space for placing the stationary access point is secured. You can install the access point smartly without it.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 functions as one of a plurality of access points 101 included in the mesh network. That is, the wireless communication unit 11 functions not as a mere access point 101 but as an access point 101 for constructing a mesh network.
  • the mesh network By constructing the mesh network, if the communication terminal 2 is within the communicable range of any one of the plurality of access points 101, the communication terminal 2 can be connected to the mesh network.
  • the wireless communication device 1 According to the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment, the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal 2 during communication is high.
  • the wireless communication device 1 is fixed to the construction surface 300 of the facility F1 (see FIG. 1).
  • the "construction surface” referred to in the present disclosure is the surface of a member to which the wireless communication device 1 is fixed, for example, the surface of a building such as a wall, ceiling or floor of a building, a desk, a shelf, a counter stand, or the like. Includes the surface of furniture (including fittings).
  • the facility F1 in which the wireless communication device 1 is installed is, for example, a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment house, or a non-residential facility such as an office, a store, a school, a factory, a hospital or a nursing facility.
  • the wireless communication device 1 is an embedded wiring device attached to a construction surface 300 formed of a wall surface of a detached house.
  • the "communication terminal” referred to in the present disclosure is a terminal having a function of wirelessly communicating with the access point 101, and is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal or a wearable terminal, a personal computer, a computer game machine, an equipment or the like.
  • Home appliances, etc. Examples of home appliances include network televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and the like.
  • Each of these communication terminals 2 has an operation input function for receiving an input signal from, for example, a touch panel display or an external operation device (keyboard, pointing device, etc.) as a function of accepting a person's operation.
  • each of these communication terminals 2 has a display function of displaying information on a display, for example, as a function of presenting information to a person.
  • Wireless communication means non-contact communication using radio waves as a transmission medium.
  • the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) and the communication terminal 2 can communicate in both directions.
  • the wireless communication between the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) and the communication terminal 2 is a wireless communication compliant with Wi-Fi (registered trademark).
  • the "mesh network” referred to in the present disclosure means a network that includes a plurality of access points 101 and that the communication terminal 2 can seamlessly connect to the plurality of access points 101.
  • the plurality of access points 101 that construct the mesh network communicate with each other and cooperate with each other to realize seamless switching of the access points 101 that communicate with the communication terminal 2.
  • Wi-Fi registered trademark
  • the mesh network constructed by the plurality of access points 101 is a mesh. Wi-Fi (registered trademark).
  • SSID Service Set Identifier
  • password passphrase
  • “Seamless” as used in this disclosure means seamless continuity. That is, even if the communication terminal 2 moves from the communicable range of one access point 101 to the communicable range of another access point 101, the connection destination of the communication terminal 2 is seamlessly switched between the two access points 101. As a result, the connection state of the communication terminal 2 to the mesh network is seamlessly maintained.
  • the "communicable range” referred to in the present disclosure means a range in which wireless communication with the access point 101 is possible. That is, if the communication terminal 2 is within the communicable range of a certain access point 101, normal wireless communication with the access point 101 is possible. On the other hand, if the communication terminal 2 is outside the communicable range of a certain access point 101, normal wireless communication with the access point 101 becomes difficult.
  • the communicable range includes, for example, SN ratio (Signal-Noise Ratio), received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator), error rate, transmission speed, etc. in wireless communication between the access point 101 and the communication terminal 2. It is defined using the evaluation value to be expressed. As an example, the range in which the evaluation value representing the SN ratio in the wireless communication between the access point 101 and the communication terminal 2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value is the communicable range of the access point 101.
  • a plurality of access points 101 including the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment construct a network system 100 composed of a mesh network.
  • the network system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of access points 101 including the wireless communication device 1.
  • the network system 100 constructs a mesh network with these plurality of access points 101. That is, the network system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of access points 101 for constructing a mesh network. Then, at least one of these plurality of access points 101 is the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment.
  • the plurality of access points 101 (five in the example of FIG. 1) constituting the network system 100 (mesh network) are all wireless communication devices 1. That is, the plurality of access points 101 are composed of a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 having the same configuration. Therefore, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the configuration described for one wireless communication device 1 is a configuration common to all of the plurality of access points 101.
  • the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network are configured to be able to communicate with each other.
  • the term "communicable” as used in the present disclosure means that signals can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater by an appropriate communication method of wired communication or wireless communication.
  • the plurality of access points 101 are all connected by wire by being connected to the electric wire L1.
  • the wireless communication device 1 further includes a wired communication unit 14 (see FIG. 3).
  • the wired communication unit 14 performs wired communication with an access point 101 different from the wireless communication unit 11 among the plurality of access points 101.
  • communication between the wireless communication device 1 and the other access point 101 is realized by wired communication using the electric wire L1 as a medium.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 of the wireless communication device 1 also functions as an access point 101, as a result, communication between a plurality of access points 101 is realized by wired communication.
  • the electric wire L1 is a signal line for communication, and more specifically, a LAN cable. That is, in the present embodiment, the communication method between the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network is the wired LAN method.
  • the backhaul for connecting a plurality of access points 101 is realized by wire (electric wire L1).
  • the plurality of access points 101 are connected by a wired backhaul, particularly an Ethernet (registered trademark) backhaul (Ethernet (registered trademark) Backhaul) to form a mesh network.
  • the connection topology between a plurality of access points 101 is a star type.
  • the access point 101 as one or more slave units, which will be described later is directly connected to the access point 101 as the master unit, which will be described later.
  • a plurality of slave units are connected to one master unit by the electric wire L1.
  • the wired communication unit 14 communicates with another access point 101 by wire through the electric wire L1 arranged on the back side of the construction surface 300.
  • the "back side of the construction surface 300" here means the space behind the wall, strictly speaking, the space behind the wall when the construction surface 300 is a wall surface.
  • the underfloor space under the floor
  • the under-ceiling space behind the ceiling. Is the "back side of the construction surface 300".
  • the wired communication unit 14 realizes the wired communication by using the concealed wiring installed so as to pass through the back side of the construction surface 300 as the electric wire L1. Therefore, even though the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network are connected by wire, the electric wire L1 connecting the plurality of access points 101 is not exposed and looks good. Moreover, even when connecting a plurality of access points 101 installed in different rooms, the electric wire L1 can be wiredly connected between the plurality of access points 101 by passing through the back side of the construction surface 300. It will be possible. FIG. 1 does not faithfully represent the path through which the electric wire L1 actually passes, but merely schematically represents the electric wire L1 arranged on the back side of the construction surface 300.
  • the plurality of access points 101 are distributed and arranged in a plurality of rooms in the facility F1.
  • one access point 101 is installed in one room.
  • the communicable range of the mesh network constructed by the plurality of access points 101 can be expanded.
  • the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the mesh network.
  • the communication terminal 2 can wirelessly communicate with any of the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network anywhere in the facility F1, and as a result, can be connected to the mesh network.
  • the network system 100 as a mesh network is connected to an external network 3 (see FIG. 3) different from the mesh network.
  • the external network 3 is a public network such as the Internet.
  • the network system 100 is connected to the external network 3 via the optical network unit 4.
  • the optical network unit 4 is referred to as "ONU" (Optical Network Unit).
  • the optical network unit 4 is installed in the facility F1 and is connected to the optical fiber drawn into the facility F1.
  • the optical line termination device 4 is connected to the external network 3 by an optical line (optical fiber) and performs mutual conversion between an optical signal and an electric signal.
  • the network system 100 is connected to the external network 3 via the optical line termination device 4 and the optical line (optical fiber).
  • the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network are classified as either a master unit or a slave unit. There is only one master unit in the mesh network, and one or more slave units in the mesh network.
  • the mesh network (network system 100) includes an access point 101 as one master unit and an access point 101 as a slave unit of a plurality of units (four in the example of FIG. 1). There is.
  • the master unit is connected to the external network 3, and one or more slave units are connected to the master unit.
  • the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) as a master unit is indirectly connected to the external network 3 via the optical line termination device 4 by being connected to the optical line termination device 4.
  • the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) as a master unit and the optical line termination device 4 are connected by, for example, a LAN cable.
  • the master unit has a function as a "router”
  • the slave unit has a function as a "satellite”. Therefore, the SSID and password of one or more slave units are the same as the SSID and password of the master unit.
  • the plurality of access points 101 include a master unit connected to an external network 3 different from the mesh network, and one or more slave units connected to the master unit.
  • the slave unit uses the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit (SSID as an example).
  • a plurality of access points 101 as a master unit are directly connected to the access point 101 as a master unit by a star-type connection topology. Access point 101 is connected.
  • the wireless communication device 1 as the master unit since a plurality of slave units are provided, at least the wireless communication device 1 as the master unit has a plurality of slave units for connecting the plurality of slave units by the electric wire L1 (here, a LAN cable). Has a port.
  • the wireless communication device 1 can be used as either a master unit or a slave unit, and either the master unit or the slave unit can be used. It is configured so that it can be switched whether it is used in. Therefore, the wireless communication devices 1 used as the plurality of access points 101 have a common configuration. Therefore, in the present embodiment, each of the wireless communication devices 1 has a plurality of ports.
  • the network system 100 as a mesh network is connected to an external network 3 such as the Internet. Therefore, the communication terminal 2 is connected to the external network 3 such as the Internet via the mesh network by being connected to the mesh network.
  • the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the mesh network, so that the communication terminal 2 can be connected to the external network 3 via the mesh network anywhere in the facility F1. It becomes.
  • the wireless communication device 1 is an embedded wiring device attached to the construction surface 300 formed of the wall surface of the facility F1 (house). That is, the wireless communication device 1 is a wiring device fixed to the construction surface 300 and configured to be able to connect wiring (including the electric wire L1) passing through the back side of the construction surface 300.
  • the housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300 in a state where at least a part of the housing 12 is embedded in the construction hole 301 (see FIG. 4A) formed in the construction surface 300. It is an embedded type wiring device.
  • the wireless communication device 1 also has the function of a switch device. Since the wireless communication device 1 is attached to the construction surface 300 made of a wall surface, it constitutes a so-called "wall switch”. Therefore, the wireless communication device 1 is inserted between the power supply and the load 5 (see FIG. 1).
  • the term "insertion” as used in the present disclosure means insertion between two electrically connected parties, and the wireless communication device 1 is located between the power supply and the load 5 in a circuit composed of the power supply and the load 5. Will be electrically connected to. In other words, the load 5 is electrically connected to the power source via the wireless communication device 1.
  • the power supply is, for example, a single-phase 100V, 60Hz commercial AC power supply (system power supply).
  • the load 5 is a lighting device (lighting fixture) including, for example, a light source made of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a lighting circuit for lighting the light source. With this load 5, the light source lights up when power is supplied from the power source. Therefore, the wireless communication device 1 functioning as a switch device switches the supply / non-conduction of power from the power source to the load 5 by switching the continuity / non-conduction between the power source and the load 5.
  • Wiring equipment as such a switch device is generally installed at a higher position on the construction surface 300 (wall surface) than an outlet (Outlet) or the like. That is, in consideration of its operability and the like, the switch device is often installed at a height that is difficult to hide by furniture and is easy for the user to operate in a standing posture. Also in this embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless communication device 1 that functions as a switch device is installed at a higher position than an outlet or the like. As an example, the wireless communication device 1 is fixed to the construction surface 300 so that the center of the wireless communication device 1 in the vertical direction is 110 cm or more and 120 cm or less from the floor surface.
  • the wireless communication device 1 includes a circuit block 10, a housing 12, and a cover 13.
  • the circuit block 10 has a circuit board (printed wiring board) and various electronic components mounted on the circuit board. As will be described in detail later, the circuit block 10 includes at least the wireless communication unit 11 (see FIG. 3). The circuit block 10 may include a plurality of circuit boards.
  • the housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300 as described above.
  • the housing 12 accommodates the wireless communication unit 11. Strictly speaking, the housing 12 accommodates the circuit block 10 including the wireless communication unit 11, so that the wireless communication unit 11 is accommodated together with the circuit block 10.
  • the housing 12 appropriately houses internal parts such as terminal plates constituting the terminals.
  • the housing 12 is made of a synthetic resin having electrical insulation.
  • the housing 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed to have the same size as a wiring device having three module dimensions.
  • the housing 12 has a front surface 121 exposed to the front (indoor side) with the housing 12 attached to the construction surface 300.
  • the front surface 121 of the housing 12 has a rectangular shape in which the vertical dimension is larger than the horizontal dimension.
  • a switch 71, a display unit 72, a setting operation unit 73, a setting switch 74, and an operation display unit 75, which will be described later, are arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • the housing 12 is integrated with the mounting frame 19 for fixing the housing 12 to the construction surface 300.
  • the switch plate 8 is attached to the attachment frame 19.
  • the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 are included in the components of the wireless communication device 1. That is, the wireless communication device 1 further includes a mounting frame 19 and a switch plate 8.
  • the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 are included in the components of the wireless communication device 1, and at least one of the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 is not included in the components of the wireless communication device 1. You may.
  • the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 will be described in detail in the column of "(2.4) Mounting structure of wireless communication device".
  • the cover 13 covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • the cover 13 has a size and shape that covers the entire front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • the cover 13 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin and is formed in a rectangular plate shape.
  • the cover 13 has a front surface 131 that is exposed forward with the wireless communication device 1 attached to the construction surface 300.
  • the front surface 131 of the cover 13 has a rectangular shape that is one size larger than the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • FIG. 2A shows a state in which the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12.
  • FIG. 2A shows the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is covered with the cover 13 in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12.
  • FIG. 2B shows the front surface 121 of the housing 12 when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed. That is, the cover 13 can be moved between the first position that covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12 and the second position that exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • the cover 13 is located at the first position, and when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 2B, the cover 13 is the first position. Located in 2 positions.
  • the cover 13 also has a function as a switch handle. That is, the cover 13 is movable so as to be displaceable with respect to the housing 12 while being attached to the housing 12, and when the cover 13 is operated by the user, the wireless communication device 1 functions as a switch device. ..
  • a switch 71 that can be pressed from the front surface 121 side of the housing 12 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • the "pushing operation" referred to here is an operation of pushing the switch 71 backward.
  • the switch 71 is composed of, for example, a cantilever-shaped lever formed on a part of the front wall of the housing 12, and a push button switch arranged behind the lever. When the switch 71 is pressed, the wireless communication device 1 that functions as a switch device switches between conduction and non-conduction between the power supply and the load 5.
  • the cover 13 has a shaft portion at one end portion (here, the left end portion) in the left-right direction in front view.
  • the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12 so as to be rotatable about the shaft portion.
  • the cover 13 has an operation unit 132 that projects rearward from a part of the back surface thereof.
  • the operation unit 132 includes protrusions arranged at positions facing the switch 71.
  • the wireless communication device 1 further includes a switch 71 that can be pressed and operated from the front surface 121 side of the housing 12.
  • the cover 13 includes an operation unit 132 for pressing and operating the switch 71 through the cover 13.
  • the switch 71 can be operated through the cover 13 in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12. Is.
  • the display unit 72, the setting operation unit 73, the setting switch 74, and the operation display unit 75 are located on the front surface 121 of the housing 12. Have been placed.
  • the display unit 72 displays the connection information.
  • the "connection information" referred to in the present disclosure is information used when connecting the communication terminal 2 to the wireless communication unit 11, and includes, for example, an SSID and a password as identifiers.
  • the display unit 72 is arranged at the center of the front surface 121 of the housing 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the display unit 72 is covered by the cover 13.
  • the display unit 72 is exposed and becomes visible. That is, the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes a display unit 72 that displays connection information used when connecting the communication terminal 2 to the wireless communication unit 11. At least when the cover 13 is in the second position, the display unit 72 is visible.
  • the display unit 72 is a sticker attached to a predetermined area on the front surface 121 of the housing 12. That is, the display unit 72 is formed by attaching a sticker on which the connection information is printed to the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • a plurality of stickers as the display unit 72 are bundled with one wireless communication device 1. That is, as described above, the wireless communication device 1 is configured so that it can be switched between the master unit and the slave unit. Since the slave unit uses the same SSID and password as the master unit, if there are a plurality of stickers as the display unit 72, the slave unit can be used with one or more slave units in addition to the master unit.
  • a display unit 72 on which the same connection information is displayed is provided. In short, the display unit 72 displays the identifier of the master unit (SSID as an example) when the wireless communication unit 11 functions as a slave unit.
  • the setting operation unit 73 accepts an operation for setting the function of the wireless communication unit 11.
  • the setting operation unit 73 is a slide switch arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the setting operation unit 73 is covered by the cover 13. On the other hand, when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the setting operation unit 73 is exposed and can be operated. ..
  • the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes a setting operation unit 73 that accepts an operation for setting the function of the wireless communication unit 11. At least when the cover 13 is in the second position, the setting operation unit 73 can be operated.
  • the setting operation unit 73 can switch between three operation modes of the wireless communication unit 11, for example, a normal mode, an off mode, and a setting mode.
  • the normal mode is a mode for enabling the function of the wireless communication unit 11 as an access point 101.
  • the off mode is a mode in which the function of the wireless communication unit 11 as an access point 101 is invalidated. That is, when stopping the wireless communication of the wireless communication device 1, the off mode may be selected by the setting operation unit 73.
  • the setting mode is, for example, a mode for setting connection information, switching between a master unit and a slave unit, and the like.
  • the setting switch 74 is a switch for setting the connection.
  • the "connection setting" referred to in the present disclosure is a setting for establishing wireless communication between the communication terminal 2 and the wireless communication unit 11, in other words, a setting for connecting the communication terminal 2 to the access point 101. is there.
  • the connection setting is executed by inputting the SSID and password of the wireless communication unit 11 at the communication terminal 2.
  • some communication terminals 2 do not have a user interface for inputting an SSID and a password (equipment equipment, etc.), and it is necessary to set the connection for such a communication terminal 2 by another means. There is.
  • the setting switch 74 is a switch for setting the connection by WPS. That is, the wireless communication device 1 includes a setting switch 74 for establishing wireless communication between the communication terminal 2 and the wireless communication unit 11.
  • the setting switch 74 is a push button switch arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the setting switch 74 is covered by the cover 13. On the other hand, when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the setting switch 74 is exposed and can be operated. That is, the setting switch 74 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12. The cover 13 covers the setting switch 74 at the first position and exposes the setting switch 74 at the second position.
  • the operation display unit 75 displays the operation status of the wireless communication unit 11.
  • the "operating state” referred to in the present disclosure is a state related to the operation of the wireless communication unit 11, such as unconnected, completed connection, communicating, or abnormal connection.
  • the operation display unit 75 is arranged in the upper left corner of the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and is an indicator lamp (LED or the like) that displays the operation state of the wireless communication unit 11 in a light emitting state. ).
  • the "light emitting state” here includes, for example, lighting / extinguishing of the operation display unit 75, a blinking pattern (blinking cycle), a emission color, and the like.
  • the operation display unit 75 is covered by the cover 13.
  • the operation display unit 75 is exposed. That is, the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes an operation display unit 75 that displays the operation state of the wireless communication unit 11.
  • the cover 13 facing the operation display unit 75 has light transmission.
  • the term "light transmissive" as used herein means translucent or transparent, and means at least the property of transmitting visible light.
  • the circuit block 10 includes a wireless communication unit 11, a wired communication unit 14, a processing unit 15, a storage unit 16, a switching unit 17, and a load control unit 18. .
  • the wireless communication device 1 includes a processing unit 15, a storage unit 16, a switching unit 17, and a load control unit 18 in addition to the wireless communication unit 11 and the wired communication unit 14. Since the circuit block 10 is housed in the housing 12, not only the wireless communication unit 11 but also the wired communication unit 14, the processing unit 15, the storage unit 16, the switching unit 17, and the load control unit 18 are contained in the housing 12. Will be contained.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 functions as an access point 101 that wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 communicates with the communication terminal 2 by Wi-Fi (registered trademark).
  • the wireless communication unit 11 corresponds to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11ac / 11n / 11a / 11g / 11b.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 can use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands at the same time.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 functions as one of the plurality of access points 101 in the mesh network including the plurality of access points 101, each of which wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2.
  • the wired communication unit 14 performs wired communication with the access point 101 different from the wireless communication unit 11 among the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network. That is, the wired communication unit 14 realizes the communication between the wireless communication unit 11 and the other access point 101 by the wired communication using the electric wire L1 (here, the LAN cable) as a medium. As a result, a backhaul for connecting a plurality of access points 101 is realized.
  • the electric wire L1 here, the LAN cable
  • the processing unit 15 includes, for example, a microprocessor having one or more processors and one or more memories as a main configuration.
  • the microcontroller realizes the function as the processing unit 15 by executing the program recorded in one or more memories by one or more processors.
  • the program may be pre-recorded in memory, provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or provided through a telecommunication line.
  • the above program is a program for causing one or more processors to function as the processing unit 15.
  • the processing unit 15 controls at least the wireless communication unit 11 and the wired communication unit 14. Then, the processing unit 15 switches the operation mode of the wireless communication unit 11 between the normal mode / off mode / setting mode in response to the operation of the setting operation unit 73, for example. Further, the processing unit 15 executes the connection setting of the wireless communication unit 11 in response to the operation of the setting switch 74, for example.
  • the storage unit 16 stores information necessary for the operation of the wireless communication device 1.
  • the storage unit 16 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory.
  • the storage unit 16 stores at least the SSID and the password as identifiers. Further, the storage unit 16 also stores information necessary for connecting a plurality of access points 101 to each other to construct a mesh network.
  • the switching unit 17 switches between the master unit and the slave unit for the wireless communication unit 11. That is, as described above, the wireless communication device 1 can be used as either a master unit or a slave unit, and is configured to be able to switch between the master unit and the slave unit. As an example, when the wireless communication device 1 accepts a specific operation such as pressing and holding the setting switch 74 with the setting mode selected in the setting operation unit 73, the switching unit 17 switches between the master unit and the slave unit. Is switched. Of course, a switch (such as a DIP switch) for switching between the master unit and the slave unit may be provided.
  • a switch such as a DIP switch
  • only one wireless communication device 1 serves as a master unit, and the remaining one or more wireless communication devices 1 all serve as slave units.
  • the master unit / slave unit is selected.
  • the SSID and password of the master unit are transmitted to one or more slave units through the back hole (electric wire L1), and the SSID and password of the slave unit are the SSID and password of the master unit. Is shared with.
  • the load control unit 18 controls the load 5 according to the pressing operation of the switch 71.
  • the load control unit 18 includes a semiconductor switch such as a transistor or a bidirectional thyristor, for example.
  • the wireless communication device 1 includes a pair of terminals, and the load control unit 18 is electrically connected between the pair of terminals.
  • the wireless communication device 1 electronically switches between conduction and non-conduction between the power supply and the load 5 by electronically controlling the semiconductor switch by the load control unit 18 in response to the pressing operation of the switch 71. It is a so-called electronic switch. That is, when the switch 71 is pushed through the cover 13, the wireless communication device 1 switches between conduction and non-conduction between the power supply and the load 5. As a result, the wireless communication device 1 functions as a switch device for switching the energized state of the load 5.
  • the wireless communication device 1 has a power supply circuit that generates electric power for operation of the internal circuit (circuit block 10) from the voltage applied to both ends of the semiconductor switch.
  • the power supply circuit is included in, for example, the circuit block 10.
  • the wireless communication device 1 receives the voltage applied between the power supply and the pair of terminals as an input to generate electric power for operating the internal circuit. That is, the wireless communication device 1 is a so-called two-wire type wiring device that can secure electric power for operating an internal circuit with two electric wires connected to a pair of terminals. In such a two-wire wiring device, it is not necessary to provide a power supply terminal for supplying electric power for operating the internal circuit separately from the pair of terminals, and the wiring work when installing the wireless communication device 1 is performed. Will also be easy.
  • the wireless communication device 1 is an embedded wiring device as described above, for example, a mounting member 85 such as an embedded switch box is used on the construction surface 300 (here, the wall surface). It is attached. That is, a construction hole 301 is formed on the construction surface 300, and the wireless communication device 1 is attached to the attachment member 85 such as a switch box arranged on the back side (back of the wall) of the construction surface 300 through the construction hole 301. Be done.
  • the mounting frame 19 is, for example, a mounting frame for a large-angle continuous wiring device standardized by the Japanese Industrial Standards.
  • the mounting frame 19 is integrated with the housing 12.
  • the mounting frame 19 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front.
  • the housing 12 and the mounting frame 19 are integrated so that the housing 12 is located inside the mounting frame 19.
  • the mounting frame 19 is made of synthetic resin as an example.
  • the mounting frame 19 is formed with a pair of mounting holes 191 and a pair of plate fixing holes 192.
  • the mounting frame 19 is mounted on the construction surface 300 by tightening the pair of mounting screws 83 to the mounting member 85 such as the switch box through the pair of mounting holes 191.
  • the switch plate 8 has a decorative plate 81 and a fixed plate 82. That is, in the present embodiment, the switch plate 8 is composed of two members, a decorative plate 81 and a fixing plate 82.
  • the switch plate 8 (decorative plate 81 and fixed plate 82) is made of synthetic resin as an example.
  • the fixing plate 82 is fixed to the mounting frame 19.
  • the decorative plate 81 is attached to the fixing plate 82 so as to cover the front surface of the fixing plate 82. In this way, the decorative plate 81 is indirectly fixed to the mounting frame 19 integrated with the housing 12 via the fixing plate 82.
  • a window hole 801 is formed in the decorative plate 81, and when the switch plate 8 is attached to the mounting frame 19, the front surface 131 of the cover 13 is exposed from the window hole 801.
  • the switch plate 8 is a frame-shaped member having the window hole 801 and is combined with the mounting frame 19 so as to expose the front surface 131 of the cover 13 from the window hole 801.
  • the front surface 131 of the cover 13 is located inside the switch plate 8 (decorative plate 81) (inside the window hole 801) in the front view.
  • the switch plate 8 covers the periphery of the housing 12 and the cover 13 in a state where the switch plate 8 is attached to the construction surface 300 together with the housing 12 and the cover 13, and the mounting The frame 19 and the construction hole 301 are not exposed and the appearance is improved.
  • the decorative plate 81 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front.
  • a window hole 801 that penetrates the decorative plate 81 in the front-rear direction is formed in the central portion of the decorative plate 81.
  • the decorative plate 81 is mechanically coupled to the fixing plate 82 in a removable state by the snap-fit structure. That is, the decorative plate 81 and the fixing plate 82 utilize the elasticity of at least one of the decorative plate 81 and the fixing plate 82 to hook one of the nails of the decorative plate 81 and the fixing plate 82 into the hole of the other, thereby causing a machine. Are combined.
  • the fixed plate 82 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. Further, the fixing plate 82 is formed with a pair of through holes 821. The fixing plate 82 is attached to the mounting frame 19 by tightening the pair of fixing screws 84 to the pair of plate fixing holes 192 of the mounting frame 19 through the pair of through holes 821.
  • the network providing method is a method of providing a mesh network constructed by a plurality of access points 101 including the wireless communication device 1 by using the wireless communication device 1 having the above-described configuration. .. That is, as described above, the wireless communication unit 11 of the wireless communication device 1 functions as one of the plurality of access points 101 in the mesh network including the plurality of access points 101. Therefore, a mesh network can be constructed by installing a plurality of the wireless communication devices 1 on the construction surface 300 (here, the wall surface) of the facility F1.
  • the wireless communication device 1 is constructed by using, for example, a mounting member 85 such as an embedded switch box. Attached to 300.
  • a mounting member 85 such as an embedded switch box. Attached to 300.
  • one wireless communication device 1 is installed in one room so that the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the mesh network.
  • the electric wire L1 (LAN cable) for connecting the wired communication unit 14 is a concealed wiring (preceding wiring) installed so as to pass through the back side of the construction surface 300. Therefore, when fixing the wireless communication device 1 to the construction surface 300, the wireless communication device 1 is connected to the electric wire L1. As a result, a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 are connected by wire via the electric wire L1. Further, the wireless communication device 1 is also connected to the power supply and the load 5.
  • initial settings such as selection of a master unit / slave unit are performed.
  • the SSID and password of the master unit are transmitted to one or more slave units through the back hole (electric wire L1), and the SSID and password of the slave unit are the SSID and password of the master unit.
  • a display unit 72 (sticker) displaying connection information such as the SSID and password of the master unit is attached to the master unit and one or more slave units, so that the same display unit is applied to all access points 101. 72 is provided.
  • the connection setting for connecting to the access point 101 is executed. That is, for the communication terminal 2 having a user interface such as a smartphone, the connection setting is made by inputting the SSID and password of the master unit on the communication terminal 2.
  • the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes a display unit 72 that displays connection information used when connecting the communication terminal 2 to the wireless communication unit 11. At least when the cover 13 is in the second position, the display unit 72 is visible. Therefore, the user can confirm the connection information (SSID, password, etc.) on the display unit 72 of the wireless communication device 1 installed nearby, for example.
  • the connection setting is performed by operating the setting switch 74 for performing the connection setting by WPS.
  • a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 are installed, a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 are connected to each other, and initial settings are performed to construct a network system 100 as a mesh network. That is, the mesh network is provided by the above network providing method, and the communication terminal 2 can connect to the mesh network by wirelessly communicating with any one of the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network.
  • the communicable range of the mesh network composed of the network system 100 can be set over a wide range.
  • the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the network system 100, so that the communication terminal 2 can be located anywhere in the facility F1 via the external network 3 via the mesh network. Can be connected to.
  • the user connects the communication terminal 2 to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the living room on the first floor of the facility F1, or connects to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the bedroom on the second floor of the facility F1.
  • the communication terminal 2 wirelessly communicates with, for example, an access point 101 composed of a wireless communication device 1 installed in the living room in the living room, and an access point 101 composed of the wireless communication device 1 installed in the bedroom in the bedroom. Wireless communication. Therefore, the communication terminal 2 can be stably connected to the network system 100 (and the external network 3) in a wide range of the facility F1 as compared with the case where only one access point 101 is installed in the facility F1. it can.
  • the network system 100 is a mesh network, even when a plurality of communication terminals 2 are connected to the network system 100 (and the external network 3) at the same time, they can be stably connected.
  • the first user connects the first communication terminal 2 to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the living room on the first floor of the facility F1.
  • the second user connects the second communication terminal 2 to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the bedroom on the second floor of the facility F1.
  • the first communication terminal 2 is connected to the wireless communication device 1 (access point 101) installed in the living room
  • the second communication terminal 2 is the wireless communication device 1 (access point) installed in the bedroom. It is connected to 101). Therefore, the access from the communication terminal 2 is distributed to a plurality of wireless communication devices 1, and the communication load of the wireless communication device 1 is reduced as compared with the case where the access is concentrated on one wireless communication device 1.
  • a repeater may be used as a means for expanding the communicable range, but in a mesh network, unlike the repeater, all access points 101 have the same function. Therefore, in the case of a repeater, the communication load tends to be concentrated on one master unit, whereas in the mesh network, the communication load can be distributed and stable and high-speed communication can be easily realized.
  • the communication terminal 2 can be seamlessly connected to a plurality of access points 101.
  • the communication partner of the communication terminal 2 switches from the wireless communication device 1 (access point 101) installed in the living room to the wireless communication device 1 (access point 101) installed in the bedroom. ..
  • these plurality of wireless communication devices 1 also have a common SSID and password and construct a mesh network, seamless switching of the access point 101 that communicates with the communication terminal 2 is realized.
  • the communication partner of the communication terminal 2 seamlessly switches from the wireless communication device 1 installed in the living room to the wireless communication device 1 installed in the bedroom. Therefore, even when the communication terminal 2 moves in the facility F1, the communication terminal 2 can be stably connected to the network system 100 (and the external network 3) in a wide range of the facility F1.
  • the first embodiment is only one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the first embodiment can be changed in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.
  • Each figure described in the present disclosure is a schematic view, and the ratio of the size and the thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.
  • the function equivalent to that of the wireless communication device 1 according to the first embodiment may be realized by a wireless communication method, a (computer) program, a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded, or the like.
  • the wireless communication device 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system in the processing unit 15 and the like.
  • a computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware.
  • the program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunications line, and may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, hard disk drive, etc. that can be read by the computer system. May be provided.
  • a processor in a computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI).
  • IC semiconductor integrated circuit
  • LSI large scale integrated circuit
  • the integrated circuit such as IC or LSI referred to here has a different name depending on the degree of integration, and includes an integrated circuit called a system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration).
  • an FPGA Field-Programmable Gate Array
  • a plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be distributed on a plurality of chips.
  • the plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices.
  • the computer system referred to here includes a microprocessor having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microprocessor is also composed of one or a plurality of electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.
  • the wireless communication device 1 it is not essential for the wireless communication device 1 that at least a part of the functions of the wireless communication device 1 are integrated in one housing, and the components of the wireless communication device 1 are contained in a plurality of housings. It may be provided in a dispersed manner.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 and the load control unit 18 may be provided in different housings.
  • at least a part of the functions of the processing unit 15 and the like may be realized by, for example, a server or a cloud (cloud computing).
  • connection topology between a plurality of access points 101 is not limited to the star type, and an appropriate connection topology can be adopted.
  • a plurality of access points 101 as slave units may be daisy-chained to the access point 101 as a master unit.
  • the first slave unit and the second slave unit are connected to the master unit, the first slave unit is directly connected to the master unit and the second slave unit is the first.
  • the second slave unit is indirectly connected to the master unit via the first slave unit.
  • an access point 101 as a master unit and an access point 101 as a plurality of slave units may be connected to a switching hub. In this case, the plurality of slave units are indirectly connected to the master unit via the switching hub.
  • the wireless communication device 1 includes the wired communication unit 14, and the wired communication unit 14 can be omitted as appropriate.
  • the wired communication unit 14 is omitted, communication between the wireless communication device 1 and another access point 101 is realized by, for example, wireless communication.
  • the plurality of access points 101 are connected by a wireless backhaul to form a mesh network.
  • the wireless communication device 1 can be used as both a master unit and a slave unit. That is, the wireless communication device 1 may function as either a master unit or a slave unit. In this case, a mesh network is constructed by one wireless communication device 1 that functions as a master unit and one or more wireless communication devices 1 that function as slave units. Further, in the wireless communication device 1, it is not necessary to distinguish between the master unit and the slave unit.
  • the network system 100 may have at least two access points 101, and in this case, the wireless communication device 1 as one master unit and the wireless communication device 1 as one slave unit.
  • a mesh network may be constructed with and.
  • the load control unit 18 not only switches between supplying power to the load 5 from the power supply and stopping the power supply, but also controls the amount of power supplied from the power supply to the load 5 as in the dimming function, for example. It may have a function.
  • the wireless communication device 1 has a function as a dimming device in addition to or instead of the function as a switch device.
  • the load 5 is not limited to a lighting device including a light source composed of LEDs, and may be a lighting device including a light source other than LEDs. Further, the load 5 is not limited to the lighting device, and may be, for example, a device (including a device, a system, and a facility) such as a ventilation fan, a display device, an electric shutter, an air conditioning device, or a security device. Further, the load 5 is not limited to one device, and may be a plurality of devices electrically connected in series or in parallel.
  • the cover 13 may be removable from the housing 12 as long as it can be moved between the first position that covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12 and the second position that exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • the cover 13 may have a rotation axis at one end in the left-right direction in the front view, and may be supported by the housing 12 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis. In this case, the cover 13 can be opened and closed by rotating about the rotation axis. When the cover 13 is closed, the cover 13 is located at the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and when the cover 13 is open, the cover 13 exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12. It will be located in two positions.
  • the cover 13 may include an operation unit 132 for pressing and operating the switch 71 through the cover 13, and it is not essential that the entire cover 13 constitutes a piano handle for pressing and operating the switch 71.
  • the cover 13 may be a switch handle other than the piano handle, for example, a seesaw operation.
  • the cover 13 may be configured such that a cantilever-shaped operating portion is formed in a part thereof, and only this operating portion moves to push the switch 71.
  • the portion of the cover 13 facing the operation display unit 75 has light transmission.
  • the operation display unit 75 is covered by the cover 13.
  • the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the operation display unit 75 is exposed and becomes visible. ..
  • the setting operation unit 73 and the setting switch 74 may be operable even when the cover 13 is in the first position, as long as they can be operated at least in the state where the cover 13 is in the second position. ..
  • the setting switch 74 may be pushed through the cover 13 in the same manner as the switch 71. In this case, the setting switch 74 can be operated through the cover 13 in a state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in a state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12. ..
  • the switch 71 may be assigned different functions depending on whether the cover 13 is in the first position or the second position. For example, if the cover 13 is in the first position, the switch 71 may have a load control function, and if the cover 13 is in the second position, the switch 71 may have a function of a setting switch 74. In this case, if the switch 71 is operated while the cover 13 is in the second position, the connection setting is executed. In other words, the switch 71 is also used as the setting switch 74. Whether the cover 13 is in the first position that covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12 or the second position that exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12 can be detected by an appropriate sensor. The function of the switch 71 is switched according to the detection result of such a sensor.
  • the display unit 72 is not limited to a sticker attached to a predetermined area on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and for example, a name plate or a card is attached to the front surface 121 of the housing 12 to form the display unit 72. May be good. Further, the display unit 72 may be formed by being directly printed or engraved on the housing 12, or may be handwritten on the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
  • wireless communication between the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) and the communication terminal 2 is not limited to Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark) or a license. It may be a low power radio (specific low power radio) or the like that is not required.
  • cover 13 is not an essential configuration for the wireless communication device 1, and the cover 13 may be omitted as appropriate.
  • the wireless communication device 1A according to the present embodiment is different from the wireless communication device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have a function as a switch device.
  • the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be designated by a common reference numeral and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
  • the cover 13 since the cover 13 does not have a function as a switch handle, it is not a movable type but a fixed type. That is, although the cover 13 is detachably attached to the housing 12, the cover 13 is not supposedly displaced with respect to the housing 12 in the state of being attached to the housing 12.
  • the wireless communication device 1A has a sensor 91 on a part of the front surface 131 of the cover 13.
  • the sensor 91 is a motion sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person.
  • the wireless communication unit 11 can be turned off or the power saving mode such as intermittent operation can be set to the wireless communication unit. The power consumption in 11 can be suppressed.
  • the wireless communication device 1A includes the sensor 91, and the wireless communication unit 11 operates according to the output of the sensor 91.
  • the sensor 91 is not limited to the motion sensor, and may be, for example, a brightness sensor, a vibration sensor, a proximity sensor or a sound sensor, or a combination thereof.
  • the wireless communication device 1A turns off the wireless communication unit 11 or intermittently operates if the brightness (illuminance) detected by the sensor 91 is equal to or less than the threshold value. Power saving mode.
  • the wireless communication device 1A has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) outlet (Outlet) 92 in a part of the front surface 131 of the cover 13.
  • the USB outlet 92 is one outlet.
  • the USB outlet 92 is a USB receptacle to which a USB plug of a device can be plugged and connected, and is configured to output a DC voltage of 5 V to the device through the USB plug. That is, the wireless communication device 1A includes a USB outlet.
  • the wireless communication device 1A has a power supply circuit that generates electric power for operating the internal circuit (circuit block 10). Therefore, by using the power for operation generated by this power supply circuit as the output of the USB outlet 92, the circuit scale is made smaller than the case where the power conversion circuit for the USB outlet 92 is provided separately from the power supply circuit. It is possible to suppress it.
  • the wireless communication device 1A constitutes the wiring equipment system 200 together with the other wiring equipment 201. That is, the wiring device system 200 according to the present embodiment includes the wireless communication device 1A and the wiring device 201.
  • the wiring device 201 is fixed to the construction surface 300 side by side with the housing 12.
  • the wiring device 201 included in the wiring device system 200 is a switch device having a single module size.
  • the housing 12 of the wireless communication device 1A is formed in two module dimensions, and is installed inside one switch plate 8 side by side in the vertical direction (vertical direction) with the wiring device 201 (switch device).
  • the wiring device system 200 includes two wiring devices 201 including a switch device having one module size.
  • the two wiring appliances 201 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction (vertical direction).
  • the housing 12 of the wireless communication device 1A is formed in the same three module dimensions as in the first embodiment, and is installed inside one switch plate 8 side by side with the two wiring devices 201 in the left-right direction.
  • the wireless communication device 1A may have a function as a switch device.
  • the wireless communication device 1A functions as a switch device with a sensor 91
  • the wireless communication device 1A functions as a switch device with a USB outlet 92. To do.
  • the wiring device 201 included in the wiring device system 200 is not limited to the switch device, and may be, for example, an outlet, a sensor device, a timer device, or the like.
  • the configuration (including the modified example) described in the second embodiment can be appropriately combined with various configurations (including the modified example) described in the first embodiment.
  • the wiring device system 200 can be configured in combination with another wiring device 201.
  • the network system 100A according to the present embodiment is different from the network system 100 according to the first embodiment in that the access points 101 and 102 include wireless devices 6 other than the wireless communication device 1.
  • the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be designated by a common reference numeral and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
  • the plurality of access points 101 and 102 are a master unit (access point 102) connected to an external network 3 different from the mesh network, and one or more slave units (access) connected to the master unit. Points 101) and are included.
  • the master unit (access point 102) is a wireless device 6 different from the wireless communication device 1.
  • the wireless device 6 is a stationary access point having a function as a router. Then, one or more access points 101 (wireless communication device 1) as slave units are directly connected to the access point 102 (wireless device 6) as the master unit. In the present embodiment, since a plurality of slave units are provided, a plurality of slave units are connected to one master unit by the electric wire L1. As a result, the wired communication unit 14 of the wireless communication device 1 performs wired communication with the other access points 101 and 102 through the electric wire L1.
  • the SSID and password of one or more slave units (access point 101) are the same as the SSID and password of the master unit (access point 102).
  • the network system 100A in constructing the network system 100A as a mesh network, it is not necessary to arrange all the access points 101 and 102 with the same wireless communication device 1. That is, by linking the wireless communication device 1 and the wireless device 6, it is possible to construct a network system 100A as a mesh network.
  • the wireless device 6 different from the wireless communication device 1 is used as the master unit (access point 102), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless device 6 may be used as a slave unit.
  • the network system 100A is not limited to one wireless device 6, and may include a plurality of wireless devices 6.
  • the configuration (including the modified example) described in the third embodiment can be appropriately combined with various configurations (including the modified example) described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.
  • the wireless communication device (1,1A) includes a wireless communication unit (11) and a housing (12).
  • the wireless communication unit (11) functions as one of the plurality of access points (101, 102) in the mesh network including the plurality of access points (101, 102).
  • Each of the plurality of access points (101, 102) wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal (2).
  • the housing (12) is fixed to the construction surface (300). The housing (12) accommodates the wireless communication unit (11).
  • the access point can be installed smartly without securing a space for placing the stationary access point.
  • the wireless communication unit (11) functions as one of a plurality of access points (101, 102) included in the mesh network. That is, the wireless communication unit (11) functions not as a mere access point (101, 102) but as an access point (101, 102) for constructing a mesh network.
  • the communication terminal (2) can be connected to the mesh network.
  • the connection destination of the communication terminal (2) is two access points. It switches seamlessly between (101 and 102). Therefore, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal (2) during communication is increased.
  • the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the second aspect further includes a wired communication unit (14) in the first aspect.
  • the wired communication unit (14) performs wired communication with an access point (101, 102) other than the wireless communication unit (11) among the plurality of access points (101, 102).
  • communication delay is less likely to occur between the plurality of access points (101, 102) as compared with the case where the communication between the plurality of access points (101, 102) is wireless communication.
  • the wired communication unit (14) is another access point through the electric wire (L1) arranged on the back side of the construction surface (300). Wired communication with (101, 102).
  • the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the fourth aspect has the housing (12) in the construction hole (301) formed in the construction surface (300) in any one of the first to third aspects.
  • the housing (12) is fixed to the construction surface (300) with at least a part embedded.
  • the amount of protrusion of the housing (12) from the construction surface (300) can be suppressed, and the housing (12) is less likely to get in the way.
  • the plurality of access points (101, 102) are connected to an external network (3) different from the mesh network.
  • the slave unit uses the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit.
  • a mesh network can be constructed by using the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit in the slave unit.
  • the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the sixth aspect further includes a switching unit (17) for switching between the master unit and the slave unit for the wireless communication unit (11) in the fifth aspect.
  • the same wireless communication device (1,1A) can be used as both a master unit and a slave unit.
  • the wireless communication device (1,1A) is a display unit (72) that displays an identifier of the master unit when the wireless communication unit (11) functions as a slave unit. ) Is further provided.
  • the user can confirm the identifier of the master unit on the display unit (72) in a state where the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit is used for the slave unit.
  • the network system (100,100A) according to the eighth aspect includes a plurality of access points (101,102) including the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.
  • the network system (100, 100A) constructs a mesh network with a plurality of access points (101, 102).
  • the plurality of access points (101, 102) are connected to a master unit connected to an external network (3) different from the mesh network. , Including one or more slave units connected to the master unit.
  • the master unit is a wireless device (6) different from the wireless communication device (1,1A).
  • a mesh network can be constructed in cooperation with a wireless communication device (1,1A) and a wireless device (6) different from the wireless communication device (1,1A).
  • the method for providing the network according to the tenth aspect is to provide a mesh network constructed by a plurality of access points (101, 102) including the wireless communication device (1, 1A) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. provide.
  • the configurations according to the second to seventh aspects are not essential configurations for the wireless communication device (1,1A) and can be omitted as appropriate.

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Abstract

Provided are a wireless communication device, a network system and a network provision method which increase the degree of freedom for a communication terminal to move during communication. This wireless communication device (1) comprises a wireless communication unit and a housing. The wireless communication unit, in a mesh network that includes a plurality of access points (101), functions as one of said plurality of access points (101). The plurality of access points (101) each execute wireless communication with a communication terminal (2). The housing is affixed to a construction surface. The housing accommodates the wireless communication unit.

Description

無線通信装置、ネットワークシステム及びネットワークの提供方法Wireless communication device, network system and network provision method
　本開示は、一般に無線通信装置、ネットワークシステム及びネットワークの提供方法に関し、より詳細には、通信端末と無線通信を行うアクセスポイントとしての機能を有する無線通信装置、ネットワークシステム及びネットワークの提供方法に関する。 The present disclosure generally relates to a method of providing a wireless communication device, a network system and a network, and more particularly to a method of providing a wireless communication device, a network system and a network having a function as an access point for wireless communication with a communication terminal.
　特許文献１には、スマートフォン等の通信端末（無線ＬＡＮクライアント端末）と無線通信する無線通信装置（無線ＬＡＮアクセスポイント）が開示されている。特許文献１に記載の無線通信装置は、通信端末側のユーザが必要とするスループット値が得られる状況にあるか否かに応じて、送信ビームフォーミング制御を行うか否かを決定することが可能である。特許文献１では、無線通信装置の周辺に、複数台の通信端末が存在するケースが想定されている。 Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication device (wireless LAN access point) that wirelessly communicates with a communication terminal (wireless LAN client terminal) such as a smartphone. The wireless communication device described in Patent Document 1 can determine whether or not to perform transmission beamforming control depending on whether or not the throughput value required by the user on the communication terminal side can be obtained. Is. In Patent Document 1, it is assumed that a plurality of communication terminals exist in the vicinity of the wireless communication device.
　上記無線通信装置にて、複数台の通信端末について安定的に接続可能なアクセスポイントを実現するためには、電波の伝搬特性等によって通信端末との相対的な位置関係が制約を受けるため、通信中における通信端末の移動の自由度が低い、という問題がある。 In order to realize an access point that can stably connect to a plurality of communication terminals in the above wireless communication device, the relative positional relationship with the communication terminal is restricted by the propagation characteristics of radio waves and the like, so communication is performed. There is a problem that the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal inside is low.
特開２０１９－１１０３７５号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-10375
　本開示は上記事由に鑑みてなされており、通信中における通信端末の移動の自由度が高くなる、無線通信装置、ネットワークシステム及びネットワークの提供方法を提供することを目的とする。 The present disclosure has been made in view of the above reasons, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless communication device, a network system, and a method for providing a network, which increases the degree of freedom of movement of a communication terminal during communication.
　本開示の一態様に係る無線通信装置は、無線通信部と、筐体と、を備える。前記無線通信部は、複数のアクセスポイントを含むメッシュネットワークにおいて、前記複数のアクセスポイントの１つとして機能する。前記複数のアクセスポイントは、各々が通信端末と無線通信を行う。前記筐体は、施工面に固定される。前記筐体は、前記無線通信部を収容する。 The wireless communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless communication unit and a housing. The wireless communication unit functions as one of the plurality of access points in a mesh network including the plurality of access points. Each of the plurality of access points wirelessly communicates with a communication terminal. The housing is fixed to the construction surface. The housing accommodates the wireless communication unit.
　本開示の一態様に係るネットワークシステムは、前記無線通信装置を含む前記複数のアクセスポイントを備える。前記ネットワークシステムは、前記複数のアクセスポイントにて、前記メッシュネットワークを構築する。 The network system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the plurality of access points including the wireless communication device. The network system constructs the mesh network with the plurality of access points.
　本開示の一態様に係るネットワークの提供方法は、前記無線通信装置を含む前記複数のアクセスポイントにて構築される前記メッシュネットワークを提供する。 The network providing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure provides the mesh network constructed by the plurality of access points including the wireless communication device.
図１は、実施形態１に係る無線通信装置を導入した施設の概略図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a facility into which the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment is introduced. 図２Ａは、同上の無線通信装置に関し、筐体にカバーが取り付けられた状態の正面図である。図２Ｂは、同上の無線通信装置に関し、筐体からカバーが取り外された状態の正面図である。FIG. 2A is a front view of the wireless communication device of the same, with a cover attached to the housing. FIG. 2B is a front view of the wireless communication device of the above, in a state where the cover is removed from the housing. 図３は、実施形態１に係るネットワークシステムを概念的に示すブロック図である。FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the network system according to the first embodiment. 図４Ａは、同上の無線通信装置の施工面への取付構造を示す斜視図である。図４Ｂは、同上の無線通信装置の施工面への取付状態を示す斜視図である。FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of the same wireless communication device on the construction surface. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a state in which the wireless communication device of the above is attached to the construction surface. 図５Ａは、実施形態２の無線通信装置の一態様を示す正面図である。図５Ｂは、同上の無線通信装置の他の態様を示す正面図である。FIG. 5A is a front view showing one aspect of the wireless communication device of the second embodiment. FIG. 5B is a front view showing another aspect of the wireless communication device of the same. 図６Ａは、同上の無線通信装置を用いた配線器具システムの一態様を示す正面図である。図６Ｂは、同上の配線器具システムの他の態様を示す正面図である。FIG. 6A is a front view showing one aspect of a wiring equipment system using the same wireless communication device. FIG. 6B is a front view showing another aspect of the wiring fixture system of the same. 図７は、実施形態２に係るネットワークシステムを概念的に示すブロック図である。FIG. 7 is a block diagram conceptually showing the network system according to the second embodiment.
　（実施形態１）
　（１）概要
　本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１の概要について、図１～図３を参照して説明する。 (Embodiment 1)
(1) Outline An outline of the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
　本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１は、通信端末２と無線通信を行うアクセスポイント１０１としての機能を有する装置である。例えば、Wi-Fi（登録商標）等の規格に準拠した無線通信を行う通信端末２は、アクセスポイントに接続されることで、ＬＡＮ（Local Area Network）等のネットワークに接続される。無線通信装置１は、このようなアクセスポイントとしての機能を有している。 The wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment is a device having a function as an access point 101 that performs wireless communication with the communication terminal 2. For example, a communication terminal 2 that performs wireless communication conforming to a standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) by being connected to an access point. The wireless communication device 1 has a function as such an access point.
　本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１は、無線通信部１１（図３参照）と、筐体１２（図２Ｂ参照）と、カバー１３（図２Ａ参照）と、を備えている。無線通信部１１は、通信端末２と無線通信を行うアクセスポイント１０１として機能する。筐体１２は、施工面３００（図２Ｂ参照）に固定される。筐体１２は、無線通信部１１を収容する。カバー１３は、筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う。 The wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless communication unit 11 (see FIG. 3), a housing 12 (see FIG. 2B), and a cover 13 (see FIG. 2A). The wireless communication unit 11 functions as an access point 101 that wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2. The housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300 (see FIG. 2B). The housing 12 accommodates the wireless communication unit 11. The cover 13 covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
　この構成によれば、施工面３００に固定された筐体１２内に、アクセスポイント１０１として機能する無線通信部１１が収容されているので、据置き型のアクセスポイントを置くためのスペースを確保しなくても、スマートにアクセスポイントを設置できる。しかも、筐体１２の前面１２１がカバー１３によって覆われているので、カバー１３にて、塵埃、水分、油分又は外力等から、筐体１２を保護することができ、更には、施工面３００の見栄えも損ないにくい。よって、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１によれば、アクセスポイント１０１の設置の自由度が高くなる。 According to this configuration, since the wireless communication unit 11 that functions as the access point 101 is housed in the housing 12 fixed to the construction surface 300, a space for placing the stationary access point is secured. You can install the access point smartly without it. Moreover, since the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is covered with the cover 13, the cover 13 can protect the housing 12 from dust, moisture, oil, external force, etc., and further, the construction surface 300 It doesn't spoil the appearance. Therefore, according to the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment, the degree of freedom in installing the access point 101 is high.
　また、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１は、無線通信部１１と、筐体１２と、を備えている。無線通信部１１は、複数のアクセスポイント１０１を含むメッシュネットワークにおいて、複数のアクセスポイント１０１の１つとして機能する。複数のアクセスポイント１０１の各々は通信端末２と無線通信を行う。筐体１２は、施工面３００に固定される。筐体１２は、無線通信部１１を収容する。 Further, the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless communication unit 11 and a housing 12. The wireless communication unit 11 functions as one of the plurality of access points 101 in the mesh network including the plurality of access points 101. Each of the plurality of access points 101 wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2. The housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300. The housing 12 accommodates the wireless communication unit 11.
　この構成によれば、施工面３００に固定された筐体１２内に、アクセスポイント１０１として機能する無線通信部１１が収容されているので、据置き型のアクセスポイントを置くためのスペースを確保しなくても、スマートにアクセスポイントを設置できる。しかも、無線通信部１１は、メッシュネットワークに含まれる複数のアクセスポイント１０１の１つとして機能する。つまり、無線通信部１１は、単なるアクセスポイント１０１ではなく、メッシュネットワークを構築するアクセスポイント１０１として機能する。メッシュネットワークが構築されることで、複数のアクセスポイント１０１のいずれかの通信可能範囲内に通信端末２があれば、通信端末２はメッシュネットワークに接続可能となる。しかも、あるアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲から別のアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲に通信端末２が移動するような場合でも、通信端末２の通信相手は、２つのアクセスポイント１０１間でシームレスに切り替わる。よって、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１によれば、通信中における通信端末２の移動の自由度が高くなる。 According to this configuration, since the wireless communication unit 11 that functions as the access point 101 is housed in the housing 12 fixed to the construction surface 300, a space for placing the stationary access point is secured. You can install the access point smartly without it. Moreover, the wireless communication unit 11 functions as one of a plurality of access points 101 included in the mesh network. That is, the wireless communication unit 11 functions not as a mere access point 101 but as an access point 101 for constructing a mesh network. By constructing the mesh network, if the communication terminal 2 is within the communicable range of any one of the plurality of access points 101, the communication terminal 2 can be connected to the mesh network. Moreover, even when the communication terminal 2 moves from the communicable range of one access point 101 to the communicable range of another access point 101, the communication partner of the communication terminal 2 seamlessly switches between the two access points 101. .. Therefore, according to the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment, the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal 2 during communication is high.
　（２）詳細
　以下、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１、ネットワークシステム１００（図３参照）、配線器具システム２００、及びネットワークの提供方法について、詳しく説明する。 (2) Details Hereinafter, the wireless communication device 1, the network system 100 (see FIG. 3), the wiring equipment system 200, and the network providing method according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
　（２．１）前提
　本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、施設Ｆ１（図１参照）の施工面３００に固定される。本開示でいう「施工面」は、無線通信装置１が固定される部材の表面であって、例えば、建物の壁、天井若しくは床等の造営物の表面、又は机、棚、若しくはカウンタ台等の什器（建具を含む）の表面等を含む。無線通信装置１が設置される施設Ｆ１は、例えば、戸建住宅若しくは集合住宅等の住宅施設、又は事務所、店舗、学校、工場、病院若しくは介護施設等の非住宅施設である。本実施形態では一例として、無線通信装置１は、戸建住宅の壁面からなる施工面３００に取り付けられる、埋込型の配線器具であると仮定する。 (2.1) Premise In the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 1 is fixed to the construction surface 300 of the facility F1 (see FIG. 1). The "construction surface" referred to in the present disclosure is the surface of a member to which the wireless communication device 1 is fixed, for example, the surface of a building such as a wall, ceiling or floor of a building, a desk, a shelf, a counter stand, or the like. Includes the surface of furniture (including fittings). The facility F1 in which the wireless communication device 1 is installed is, for example, a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment house, or a non-residential facility such as an office, a store, a school, a factory, a hospital or a nursing facility. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the wireless communication device 1 is an embedded wiring device attached to a construction surface 300 formed of a wall surface of a detached house.
　本開示でいう「通信端末」は、アクセスポイント１０１と無線通信を行う機能を持つ端末であって、例えば、スマートフォン、タブレット端末若しくはウェアラブル端末等の携帯端末、パーソナルコンピュータ、コンピュータゲーム機、設備機器又は家電機器等である。家電機器の例としては、ネットワークテレビ、冷蔵庫、洗濯機又は空調機器等がある。これらの通信端末２は、それぞれ人の操作を受け付ける機能として、例えば、タッチパネルディスプレイ又は外付けの操作デバイス（キーボード及びポインティングデバイス等）からの入力信号を受け付ける操作入力機能を有している。また、これらの通信端末２は、それぞれ人に情報を提示する機能として、例えば、ディスプレイに情報を表示する表示機能を有している。 The "communication terminal" referred to in the present disclosure is a terminal having a function of wirelessly communicating with the access point 101, and is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal or a wearable terminal, a personal computer, a computer game machine, an equipment or the like. Home appliances, etc. Examples of home appliances include network televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and the like. Each of these communication terminals 2 has an operation input function for receiving an input signal from, for example, a touch panel display or an external operation device (keyboard, pointing device, etc.) as a function of accepting a person's operation. Further, each of these communication terminals 2 has a display function of displaying information on a display, for example, as a function of presenting information to a person.
　本開示でいう「無線通信」は、電波を伝送媒体として非接触で行う通信を意味する。本実施形態では、アクセスポイント１０１（無線通信装置１）と通信端末２とは、双方向に通信可能である。また、本実施形態では一例として、アクセスポイント１０１（無線通信装置１）と通信端末２との間の無線通信は、Wi-Fi（登録商標）に準拠した無線通信であることとする。 "Wireless communication" as used in the present disclosure means non-contact communication using radio waves as a transmission medium. In the present embodiment, the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) and the communication terminal 2 can communicate in both directions. Further, in the present embodiment, as an example, the wireless communication between the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) and the communication terminal 2 is a wireless communication compliant with Wi-Fi (registered trademark).
　本開示でいう「メッシュネットワーク」は、複数のアクセスポイント１０１を含み、かつ通信端末２が、複数のアクセスポイント１０１に対してシームレスに接続可能な態様であるネットワークを意味する。メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、相互に通信して連携することにより、通信端末２と通信を行うアクセスポイント１０１のシームレスな切り替えを実現する。その結果、１つのアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲に比べて、１つのメッシュネットワークの通信可能範囲を拡大することが可能である。本実施形態は、上述のようにアクセスポイント１０１（無線通信装置１）と通信端末２とはWi-Fi（登録商標）により通信するので、複数のアクセスポイント１０１にて構築されるメッシュネットワークはメッシュWi-Fi（登録商標）である。一般的に、メッシュWi-Fi（登録商標）を構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、共通のＳＳＩＤ（Service Set Identifier）及びパスワード（パスフレーズ）を有する。 The "mesh network" referred to in the present disclosure means a network that includes a plurality of access points 101 and that the communication terminal 2 can seamlessly connect to the plurality of access points 101. The plurality of access points 101 that construct the mesh network communicate with each other and cooperate with each other to realize seamless switching of the access points 101 that communicate with the communication terminal 2. As a result, it is possible to expand the communicable range of one mesh network as compared with the communicable range of one access point 101. In this embodiment, since the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) and the communication terminal 2 communicate with each other by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) as described above, the mesh network constructed by the plurality of access points 101 is a mesh. Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Generally, a plurality of access points 101 for constructing mesh Wi-Fi (registered trademark) have a common SSID (Service Set Identifier) and a password (passphrase).
　本開示でいう「シームレス」は、継ぎ目なく連続することを意味する。つまり、あるアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲から別のアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲に通信端末２が移動しても、通信端末２の接続先は、２つのアクセスポイント１０１間で継ぎ目なく切り替わる。その結果、メッシュネットワークに対する通信端末２の接続状態が、シームレスに維持される。 "Seamless" as used in this disclosure means seamless continuity. That is, even if the communication terminal 2 moves from the communicable range of one access point 101 to the communicable range of another access point 101, the connection destination of the communication terminal 2 is seamlessly switched between the two access points 101. As a result, the connection state of the communication terminal 2 to the mesh network is seamlessly maintained.
　本開示でいう「通信可能範囲」は、アクセスポイント１０１との無線通信が可能な範囲を意味する。つまり、通信端末２は、あるアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲内にあれば、このアクセスポイント１０１との間で正常な無線通信が可能となる。一方、通信端末２は、あるアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲外にあれば、このアクセスポイント１０１との間で正常な無線通信が困難となる。通信可能範囲は、アクセスポイント１０１と通信端末２との間の無線通信における、例えば、ＳＮ比（Signal-Noise Ratio）、受信信号強度（ＲＳＳＩ：Received Signal Strength Indicator）、エラー率又は伝送速度等を表す評価値を用いて規定される。一例として、アクセスポイント１０１と通信端末２との間の無線通信におけるＳＮ比を表す評価値が、所定の閾値以上である範囲が、このアクセスポイント１０１の通信可能範囲となる。 The "communicable range" referred to in the present disclosure means a range in which wireless communication with the access point 101 is possible. That is, if the communication terminal 2 is within the communicable range of a certain access point 101, normal wireless communication with the access point 101 is possible. On the other hand, if the communication terminal 2 is outside the communicable range of a certain access point 101, normal wireless communication with the access point 101 becomes difficult. The communicable range includes, for example, SN ratio (Signal-Noise Ratio), received signal strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator), error rate, transmission speed, etc. in wireless communication between the access point 101 and the communication terminal 2. It is defined using the evaluation value to be expressed. As an example, the range in which the evaluation value representing the SN ratio in the wireless communication between the access point 101 and the communication terminal 2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value is the communicable range of the access point 101.
　（２．２）ネットワークシステム
　次に、本実施形態に係るネットワークシステム１００について、図１及び図３を参照して説明する。 (2.2) Network System Next, the network system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.
　本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１を含む複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、メッシュネットワークからなるネットワークシステム１００を構築する。言い換えれば、本実施形態に係るネットワークシステム１００は、無線通信装置１を含む複数のアクセスポイント１０１を備える。このネットワークシステム１００は、これら複数のアクセスポイント１０１にて、メッシュネットワークを構築する。すなわち、本実施形態に係るネットワークシステム１００は、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１を備えている。そして、これら複数のアクセスポイント１０１のうちの少なくとも１つは、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１である。 A plurality of access points 101 including the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment construct a network system 100 composed of a mesh network. In other words, the network system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of access points 101 including the wireless communication device 1. The network system 100 constructs a mesh network with these plurality of access points 101. That is, the network system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of access points 101 for constructing a mesh network. Then, at least one of these plurality of access points 101 is the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment.
　本実施形態では一例として、図１に示すように、ネットワークシステム１００（メッシュネットワーク）を構成する複数（図１の例では５つ）のアクセスポイント１０１は、いずれも無線通信装置１である。すなわち、複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、同一の構成を有する複数台の無線通信装置１からなる。そのため、以下では、特に断りがない限り、１台の無線通信装置１について述べる構成は、複数のアクセスポイント１０１の全てにおいて共通の構成であることとする。 In the present embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of access points 101 (five in the example of FIG. 1) constituting the network system 100 (mesh network) are all wireless communication devices 1. That is, the plurality of access points 101 are composed of a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 having the same configuration. Therefore, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the configuration described for one wireless communication device 1 is a configuration common to all of the plurality of access points 101.
　ここで、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、互いに通信可能に構成されている。本開示でいう「通信可能」とは、有線通信又は無線通信の適宜の通信方式により、直接的、又はネットワーク若しくは中継器等を介して間接的に、信号を授受できることを意味する。本実施形態では、複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、いずれも電線Ｌ１に接続されることで、有線接続されている。 Here, the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network are configured to be able to communicate with each other. The term "communicable" as used in the present disclosure means that signals can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater by an appropriate communication method of wired communication or wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the plurality of access points 101 are all connected by wire by being connected to the electric wire L1.
　すなわち、本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、有線通信部１４（図３参照）を更に備える。有線通信部１４は、複数のアクセスポイント１０１のうち無線通信部１１とは別のアクセスポイント１０１との間で有線通信する。これにより、無線通信装置１と他のアクセスポイント１０１との間の通信は、電線Ｌ１を媒体とする有線通信にて実現されることになる。無線通信装置１の無線通信部１１もまた、アクセスポイント１０１として機能するため、結果的に、複数のアクセスポイント１０１間の通信が有線通信にて実現される。本実施形態では一例として、電線Ｌ１は通信用の信号線であって、より詳細には、ＬＡＮケーブルである。つまり、本実施形態では、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１間の通信方式は、有線ＬＡＮ方式である。 That is, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 1 further includes a wired communication unit 14 (see FIG. 3). The wired communication unit 14 performs wired communication with an access point 101 different from the wireless communication unit 11 among the plurality of access points 101. As a result, communication between the wireless communication device 1 and the other access point 101 is realized by wired communication using the electric wire L1 as a medium. Since the wireless communication unit 11 of the wireless communication device 1 also functions as an access point 101, as a result, communication between a plurality of access points 101 is realized by wired communication. In the present embodiment, as an example, the electric wire L1 is a signal line for communication, and more specifically, a LAN cable. That is, in the present embodiment, the communication method between the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network is the wired LAN method.
　このように、複数のアクセスポイント１０１を接続するためのバックホール（Backhaul）は、有線（電線Ｌ１）にて実現されている。言い換えれば、複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、有線バックホール、特に、イーサネット（登録商標）バックホール（Ethernet（登録商標） Backhaul）にて接続されて、メッシュネットワークを構築する。ここでは一例として、複数のアクセスポイント１０１間の接続トポロジはスター型である。具体的には、後述する親機としてのアクセスポイント１０１に対して、後述する１台以上の子機としてのアクセスポイント１０１が直接的に接続される。本実施形態では、子機は複数台設けられているため、１台の親機に対して、複数台の子機が電線Ｌ１にて接続されることになる。 In this way, the backhaul for connecting a plurality of access points 101 is realized by wire (electric wire L1). In other words, the plurality of access points 101 are connected by a wired backhaul, particularly an Ethernet (registered trademark) backhaul (Ethernet (registered trademark) Backhaul) to form a mesh network. Here, as an example, the connection topology between a plurality of access points 101 is a star type. Specifically, the access point 101 as one or more slave units, which will be described later, is directly connected to the access point 101 as the master unit, which will be described later. In the present embodiment, since a plurality of slave units are provided, a plurality of slave units are connected to one master unit by the electric wire L1.
　また、本実施形態では、有線通信部１４は、施工面３００の裏側に配置された電線Ｌ１を通して別のアクセスポイント１０１と有線通信する。ここでいう「施工面３００の裏側」は、施工面３００が壁面である場合には、壁裏、厳密には壁裏の空間を意味する。勿論、壁裏に限らず、施工面３００が床面であれば床下（床下の空間）が「施工面３００の裏側」となり、施工面３００が天井面であれば天井裏（天井裏の空間）が「施工面３００の裏側」となる。このように、有線通信部１４は、施工面３００の裏側を通すように設置された隠ぺい配線を電線Ｌ１として用いて、有線通信を実現する。したがって、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１間が有線接続されているにもかかわらず、複数のアクセスポイント１０１間を接続する電線Ｌ１が露出せず、見映えがよい。しかも、異なる部屋に設置された複数のアクセスポイント１０１間を接続する場合でも、電線Ｌ１が施工面３００の裏側を通ることで、これら複数のアクセスポイント１０１間を電線Ｌ１にて有線接続することが可能となる。図１では、実際に電線Ｌ１が通る経路を忠実に表すのではなく、施工面３００の裏側に配置された電線Ｌ１を模式的に表しているに過ぎない。 Further, in the present embodiment, the wired communication unit 14 communicates with another access point 101 by wire through the electric wire L1 arranged on the back side of the construction surface 300. The "back side of the construction surface 300" here means the space behind the wall, strictly speaking, the space behind the wall when the construction surface 300 is a wall surface. Of course, not limited to the back of the wall, if the construction surface 300 is the floor surface, the underfloor (space under the floor) is the "back side of the construction surface 300", and if the construction surface 300 is the ceiling surface, the under-ceiling (space behind the ceiling). Is the "back side of the construction surface 300". As described above, the wired communication unit 14 realizes the wired communication by using the concealed wiring installed so as to pass through the back side of the construction surface 300 as the electric wire L1. Therefore, even though the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network are connected by wire, the electric wire L1 connecting the plurality of access points 101 is not exposed and looks good. Moreover, even when connecting a plurality of access points 101 installed in different rooms, the electric wire L1 can be wiredly connected between the plurality of access points 101 by passing through the back side of the construction surface 300. It will be possible. FIG. 1 does not faithfully represent the path through which the electric wire L1 actually passes, but merely schematically represents the electric wire L1 arranged on the back side of the construction surface 300.
　複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、施設Ｆ１における複数の部屋に分散して配置されている。図１の例では、１つの部屋に１つのアクセスポイント１０１が設置されている。このように、施設Ｆ１内において、複数のアクセスポイント１０１が分散して配置されることにより、複数のアクセスポイント１０１で構築されるメッシュネットワークの通信可能範囲を拡大することができる。本実施形態では一例として、施設Ｆ１の全体が、メッシュネットワークの通信可能範囲に含まれることとする。これにより、通信端末２は、施設Ｆ１のどこにあっても、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１のいずれかと無線通信可能であって、結果的に、メッシュネットワークに接続可能となる。 The plurality of access points 101 are distributed and arranged in a plurality of rooms in the facility F1. In the example of FIG. 1, one access point 101 is installed in one room. In this way, by arranging the plurality of access points 101 in a distributed manner in the facility F1, the communicable range of the mesh network constructed by the plurality of access points 101 can be expanded. In the present embodiment, as an example, the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the mesh network. As a result, the communication terminal 2 can wirelessly communicate with any of the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network anywhere in the facility F1, and as a result, can be connected to the mesh network.
　ところで、メッシュネットワークとしてのネットワークシステム１００は、メッシュネットワークとは別の外部ネットワーク３（図３参照）に接続されている。本実施形態では一例として、外部ネットワーク３は、インターネット等の公衆網である。ネットワークシステム１００は、外部ネットワーク３に対して、光回線終端装置４を介して接続される。図面中では、光回線終端装置４を「ＯＮＵ」（Optical Network Unit）と表記する。光回線終端装置４は、施設Ｆ１に設置されており、施設Ｆ１に引き込まれた光ファイバに接続される。光回線終端装置４は、光回線（光ファイバ）により外部ネットワーク３に接続され、光信号と電気信号との相互変換を行う。これにより、ネットワークシステム１００は、光回線終端装置４及び光回線（光ファイバ）を介して外部ネットワーク３に接続されることになる。 By the way, the network system 100 as a mesh network is connected to an external network 3 (see FIG. 3) different from the mesh network. As an example in this embodiment, the external network 3 is a public network such as the Internet. The network system 100 is connected to the external network 3 via the optical network unit 4. In the drawing, the optical network unit 4 is referred to as "ONU" (Optical Network Unit). The optical network unit 4 is installed in the facility F1 and is connected to the optical fiber drawn into the facility F1. The optical line termination device 4 is connected to the external network 3 by an optical line (optical fiber) and performs mutual conversion between an optical signal and an electric signal. As a result, the network system 100 is connected to the external network 3 via the optical line termination device 4 and the optical line (optical fiber).
　本実施形態では、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、親機又は子機のいずれかに分類される。親機はメッシュネットワーク内に１台のみ存在し、子機はメッシュネットワーク内に１台以上存在する。本実施形態では、メッシュネットワーク（ネットワークシステム１００）は、１台の親機としてのアクセスポイント１０１と、複数台（図１の例では４台）の子機としてのアクセスポイント１０１と、を備えている。 In the present embodiment, the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network are classified as either a master unit or a slave unit. There is only one master unit in the mesh network, and one or more slave units in the mesh network. In the present embodiment, the mesh network (network system 100) includes an access point 101 as one master unit and an access point 101 as a slave unit of a plurality of units (four in the example of FIG. 1). There is.
　親機は外部ネットワーク３に接続され、１台以上の子機は親機に接続される。ここでは、親機としてのアクセスポイント１０１（無線通信装置１）は、光回線終端装置４に接続されることにより、光回線終端装置４を介して間接的に、外部ネットワーク３に接続される。親機としてのアクセスポイント１０１（無線通信装置１）と光回線終端装置４との間は、例えば、ＬＡＮケーブルにて接続される。メッシュネットワークにおいて、親機は「ルータ」としての機能を有し、子機は「サテライト」としての機能を有する。そのため、１台以上の子機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードは、親機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードと共通である。すなわち、複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、メッシュネットワークとは別の外部ネットワーク３に接続される親機と、親機に接続される１台以上の子機と、を含む。子機は、親機の識別子（一例としてＳＳＩＤ）と同一の識別子を使用する。 The master unit is connected to the external network 3, and one or more slave units are connected to the master unit. Here, the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) as a master unit is indirectly connected to the external network 3 via the optical line termination device 4 by being connected to the optical line termination device 4. The access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) as a master unit and the optical line termination device 4 are connected by, for example, a LAN cable. In the mesh network, the master unit has a function as a "router", and the slave unit has a function as a "satellite". Therefore, the SSID and password of one or more slave units are the same as the SSID and password of the master unit. That is, the plurality of access points 101 include a master unit connected to an external network 3 different from the mesh network, and one or more slave units connected to the master unit. The slave unit uses the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit (SSID as an example).
　ここで、本実施形態では上述したように、親機としてのアクセスポイント１０１に対して、１台以上の子機としてのアクセスポイント１０１が直接的に接続される、スター型の接続トポロジによって、複数のアクセスポイント１０１が接続されている。本実施形態では、子機は複数台設けられているので、少なくとも親機としての無線通信装置１は、複数台の子機を電線Ｌ１（ここではＬＡＮケーブル）にて接続するための、複数のポートを有している。 Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of access points 101 as a master unit are directly connected to the access point 101 as a master unit by a star-type connection topology. Access point 101 is connected. In the present embodiment, since a plurality of slave units are provided, at least the wireless communication device 1 as the master unit has a plurality of slave units for connecting the plurality of slave units by the electric wire L1 (here, a LAN cable). Has a port.
　詳しくは「（２．３）無線通信装置」の欄で説明するが、本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、親機及び子機のいずれとしても使用でき、親機と子機とのいずれで使用されるかを切替え可能に構成されている。そのため、複数のアクセスポイント１０１として用いられる無線通信装置１は、構成としては共通の構成を有している。よって、本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、いずれも複数のポートを有している。 Details will be described in the column of "(2.3) Wireless communication device", but in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 1 can be used as either a master unit or a slave unit, and either the master unit or the slave unit can be used. It is configured so that it can be switched whether it is used in. Therefore, the wireless communication devices 1 used as the plurality of access points 101 have a common configuration. Therefore, in the present embodiment, each of the wireless communication devices 1 has a plurality of ports.
　このように、メッシュネットワークとしてのネットワークシステム１００は、インターネット等の外部ネットワーク３に接続されている。したがって、通信端末２は、メッシュネットワークに接続されることで、メッシュネットワークを介して、インターネット等の外部ネットワーク３に接続される。本実施形態では、上述したように施設Ｆ１の全体が、メッシュネットワークの通信可能範囲に含まれるので、通信端末２は、施設Ｆ１のどこにあっても、メッシュネットワークを介して外部ネットワーク３に接続可能となる。 In this way, the network system 100 as a mesh network is connected to an external network 3 such as the Internet. Therefore, the communication terminal 2 is connected to the external network 3 such as the Internet via the mesh network by being connected to the mesh network. In the present embodiment, as described above, the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the mesh network, so that the communication terminal 2 can be connected to the external network 3 via the mesh network anywhere in the facility F1. It becomes.
　（２．３）無線通信装置
　次に、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１について、図２Ａ～図３を参照して説明する。 (2.3) Wireless Communication Device Next, the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 3.
　上述したように、本実施形態では一例として、無線通信装置１は、施設Ｆ１（住宅）の壁面からなる施工面３００に取り付けられる、埋込型の配線器具である。つまり、無線通信装置１は、施工面３００に固定され、施工面３００の裏側を通した配線（電線Ｌ１を含む）を接続可能に構成された配線器具である。特に、この無線通信装置１は、施工面３００に形成されている施工孔３０１（図４Ａ参照）に、筐体１２の少なくとも一部が埋め込まれた状態で、筐体１２が施工面３００に固定される、埋込型の配線器具である。 As described above, as an example in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 1 is an embedded wiring device attached to the construction surface 300 formed of the wall surface of the facility F1 (house). That is, the wireless communication device 1 is a wiring device fixed to the construction surface 300 and configured to be able to connect wiring (including the electric wire L1) passing through the back side of the construction surface 300. In particular, in this wireless communication device 1, the housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300 in a state where at least a part of the housing 12 is embedded in the construction hole 301 (see FIG. 4A) formed in the construction surface 300. It is an embedded type wiring device.
　また、本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、スイッチ装置の機能を兼ね備えている。無線通信装置１は、壁面からなる施工面３００に取り付けられるので、いわゆる「壁スイッチ」を構成する。そのため、無線通信装置１は、電源と負荷５（図１参照）との間に挿入される。本開示でいう「挿入」とは、電気的に接続される二者間への挿入を意味し、無線通信装置１は、電源と負荷５とで構成される回路において電源と負荷５との間に電気的に接続されることになる。言い換えれば、負荷５は、電源に対し、無線通信装置１を介して電気的に接続される。 Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 1 also has the function of a switch device. Since the wireless communication device 1 is attached to the construction surface 300 made of a wall surface, it constitutes a so-called "wall switch". Therefore, the wireless communication device 1 is inserted between the power supply and the load 5 (see FIG. 1). The term "insertion" as used in the present disclosure means insertion between two electrically connected parties, and the wireless communication device 1 is located between the power supply and the load 5 in a circuit composed of the power supply and the load 5. Will be electrically connected to. In other words, the load 5 is electrically connected to the power source via the wireless communication device 1.
　電源は、例えば、単相１００Ｖ、６０Ｈｚの商用の交流電源（系統電源）である。負荷５は、例えば、ＬＥＤ（Light Emitting Diode）からなる光源と、光源を点灯させる点灯回路と、を備える照明装置（照明器具）であると仮定する。この負荷５では、電源からの電力供給時に光源が点灯する。したがって、スイッチ装置として機能する無線通信装置１は、電源と負荷５との間の導通／非導通を切り替えることによって、電源から負荷５への電力の供給／電力供給の停止を切り替える。 The power supply is, for example, a single-phase 100V, 60Hz commercial AC power supply (system power supply). It is assumed that the load 5 is a lighting device (lighting fixture) including, for example, a light source made of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a lighting circuit for lighting the light source. With this load 5, the light source lights up when power is supplied from the power source. Therefore, the wireless communication device 1 functioning as a switch device switches the supply / non-conduction of power from the power source to the load 5 by switching the continuity / non-conduction between the power source and the load 5.
　このようなスイッチ装置（壁スイッチ）としての配線器具は、一般的に、コンセント（Outlet）等に比較すると、施工面３００（壁面）の高い位置に設置される。すなわち、スイッチ装置は、その操作性等を考慮して、家具で隠れにくく、かつユーザが立った姿勢で操作し易い高さに設置されることが多い。本実施形態でも、スイッチ装置として機能する無線通信装置１は、コンセント等に比較して、高い位置に設置されることと仮定する。一例として、無線通信装置１における鉛直方向の中心が、床面から１１０ｃｍ以上、１２０ｃｍ以下となるように、無線通信装置１が施工面３００に固定される。 Wiring equipment as such a switch device (wall switch) is generally installed at a higher position on the construction surface 300 (wall surface) than an outlet (Outlet) or the like. That is, in consideration of its operability and the like, the switch device is often installed at a height that is difficult to hide by furniture and is easy for the user to operate in a standing posture. Also in this embodiment, it is assumed that the wireless communication device 1 that functions as a switch device is installed at a higher position than an outlet or the like. As an example, the wireless communication device 1 is fixed to the construction surface 300 so that the center of the wireless communication device 1 in the vertical direction is 110 cm or more and 120 cm or less from the floor surface.
　無線通信装置１は、図２Ａ及び図２Ｂに示すように、回路ブロック１０と、筐体１２と、カバー１３と、を備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the wireless communication device 1 includes a circuit block 10, a housing 12, and a cover 13.
　回路ブロック１０は、回路基板（プリント配線板）と、回路基板に実装された種々の電子部品と、を有している。詳しくは後述するが、回路ブロック１０は、少なくとも無線通信部１１（図３参照）を含んでいる。回路ブロック１０は、回路基板を複数枚含んでいてもよい。 The circuit block 10 has a circuit board (printed wiring board) and various electronic components mounted on the circuit board. As will be described in detail later, the circuit block 10 includes at least the wireless communication unit 11 (see FIG. 3). The circuit block 10 may include a plurality of circuit boards.
　筐体１２は、上述したように、施工面３００に固定される。筐体１２は、無線通信部１１を収容する。厳密には、筐体１２は、無線通信部１１を含む回路ブロック１０を収容することで、回路ブロック１０ごと無線通信部１１を収容する。筐体１２には、回路ブロック１０の他、端子を構成する端子板等の内部部品が適宜収容される。筐体１２は、電気絶縁性を有する合成樹脂製である。 The housing 12 is fixed to the construction surface 300 as described above. The housing 12 accommodates the wireless communication unit 11. Strictly speaking, the housing 12 accommodates the circuit block 10 including the wireless communication unit 11, so that the wireless communication unit 11 is accommodated together with the circuit block 10. In addition to the circuit block 10, the housing 12 appropriately houses internal parts such as terminal plates constituting the terminals. The housing 12 is made of a synthetic resin having electrical insulation.
　本実施形態では、筐体１２は、直方体状であって、３個モジュール寸法の配線器具と同程度の寸法に形成されている。筐体１２は、図２Ｂに示すように、筐体１２が施工面３００に取り付けられた状態で前方（室内側）に露出する前面１２１を有する。ここでは、筐体１２の前面１２１は、鉛直方向の寸法が水平方向の寸法よりも大きい長方形状である。筐体１２の前面１２１には、後述するスイッチ７１、表示部７２、設定操作部７３、設定スイッチ７４及び動作表示部７５が配置される。 In the present embodiment, the housing 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed to have the same size as a wiring device having three module dimensions. As shown in FIG. 2B, the housing 12 has a front surface 121 exposed to the front (indoor side) with the housing 12 attached to the construction surface 300. Here, the front surface 121 of the housing 12 has a rectangular shape in which the vertical dimension is larger than the horizontal dimension. A switch 71, a display unit 72, a setting operation unit 73, a setting switch 74, and an operation display unit 75, which will be described later, are arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
　ここにおいて、本実施形態では、筐体１２は、図４Ａに示すように、筐体１２を施工面３００に固定するための取付枠１９と一体化されている。さらに、取付枠１９には、図４Ａに示すように、スイッチプレート８が取り付けられる。ここで、本実施形態では、取付枠１９及びスイッチプレート８を、無線通信装置１の構成要素に含むこととする。つまり、無線通信装置１は、取付枠１９及びスイッチプレート８を更に備えている。ただし、取付枠１９及びスイッチプレート８が、無線通信装置１の構成要素に含まれることは必須でなく、取付枠１９及びスイッチプレート８の少なくとも一方は、無線通信装置１の構成要素に含まれなくてもよい。取付枠１９及びスイッチプレート８について詳しくは、「（２．４）無線通信装置の取付構造」の欄で説明する。 Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the housing 12 is integrated with the mounting frame 19 for fixing the housing 12 to the construction surface 300. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the switch plate 8 is attached to the attachment frame 19. Here, in the present embodiment, the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 are included in the components of the wireless communication device 1. That is, the wireless communication device 1 further includes a mounting frame 19 and a switch plate 8. However, it is not essential that the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 are included in the components of the wireless communication device 1, and at least one of the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 is not included in the components of the wireless communication device 1. You may. The mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 will be described in detail in the column of "(2.4) Mounting structure of wireless communication device".
　カバー１３は、上述したように、筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う。ここで、カバー１３は、筐体１２の前面１２１の全域を覆うような大きさ及び形状である。本実施形態では、カバー１３は、電気絶縁性を有する合成樹脂製であって、矩形板状に形成されている。カバー１３は、図２Ａに示すように、無線通信装置１が施工面３００に取り付けられた状態で前方に露出する前面１３１を有する。ここでは、カバー１３の前面１３１は、筐体１２の前面１２１よりも一回り大きい長方形状である。 As described above, the cover 13 covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12. Here, the cover 13 has a size and shape that covers the entire front surface 121 of the housing 12. In the present embodiment, the cover 13 is made of an electrically insulating synthetic resin and is formed in a rectangular plate shape. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cover 13 has a front surface 131 that is exposed forward with the wireless communication device 1 attached to the construction surface 300. Here, the front surface 131 of the cover 13 has a rectangular shape that is one size larger than the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
　また、本実施形態では、カバー１３は、筐体１２に対して取外し可能に取り付けられている。図２Ａは、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態を示し、図２Ｂは、筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外された状態を示している。そして、図２Ａに示すように、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態において、筐体１２の前面１２１がカバー１３で覆われることになる。図２Ｂに示すように、筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外された状態では、筐体１２の前面１２１は露出することになる。すなわち、カバー１３は、筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置と、筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置との間で移動可能である。図２Ａのように筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態では、カバー１３は第１位置に位置し、図２Ｂのように筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外れた状態では、カバー１３は第２位置に位置する。 Further, in the present embodiment, the cover 13 is detachably attached to the housing 12. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12. Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is covered with the cover 13 in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed. That is, the cover 13 can be moved between the first position that covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12 and the second position that exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12. When the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 2A, the cover 13 is located at the first position, and when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 2B, the cover 13 is the first position. Located in 2 positions.
　ここで、カバー１３は、スイッチハンドルとしての機能を兼ね備えている。つまり、カバー１３は筐体１２に取り付けられた状態で筐体１２に対して変位可能な可動式であって、カバー１３がユーザの操作を受けることにより、無線通信装置１がスイッチ装置として機能する。本実施形態では、図２Ｂに示すように、筐体１２の前面１２１に、筐体１２の前面１２１側から押操作可能なスイッチ７１が配置されている。ここでいう「押操作」は、スイッチ７１を、後方に押し込む操作である。このスイッチ７１は、例えば、筐体１２の前壁の一部に形成された片持ち梁状のレバーと、レバーの後方に配置された押釦スイッチと、で構成される。スイッチ７１が押操作されることで、スイッチ装置として機能する無線通信装置１は、電源と負荷５との間の導通／非導通を切り替える。 Here, the cover 13 also has a function as a switch handle. That is, the cover 13 is movable so as to be displaceable with respect to the housing 12 while being attached to the housing 12, and when the cover 13 is operated by the user, the wireless communication device 1 functions as a switch device. .. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, a switch 71 that can be pressed from the front surface 121 side of the housing 12 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12. The "pushing operation" referred to here is an operation of pushing the switch 71 backward. The switch 71 is composed of, for example, a cantilever-shaped lever formed on a part of the front wall of the housing 12, and a push button switch arranged behind the lever. When the switch 71 is pressed, the wireless communication device 1 that functions as a switch device switches between conduction and non-conduction between the power supply and the load 5.
　具体的には、カバー１３は、正面視における左右方向の一端部（ここでは左端部）に軸部を有している。カバー１３は、軸部を中心に回転可能となるように、筐体１２に取り付けられる。また、カバー１３は、その背面の一部から後方に突出する操作部１３２を有している。操作部１３２は、スイッチ７１に対向する位置に配置された突起からなる。これにより、カバー１３の前面１３１（特に軸部とは反対側の右端部）が押操作されると、カバー１３が軸部を中心に回転し、カバー１３の操作部１３２にてスイッチ７１が後方に押し込まれる。つまり、カバー１３は、スイッチ７１を押操作するためのピアノハンドルである。 Specifically, the cover 13 has a shaft portion at one end portion (here, the left end portion) in the left-right direction in front view. The cover 13 is attached to the housing 12 so as to be rotatable about the shaft portion. Further, the cover 13 has an operation unit 132 that projects rearward from a part of the back surface thereof. The operation unit 132 includes protrusions arranged at positions facing the switch 71. As a result, when the front surface 131 of the cover 13 (particularly the right end portion on the opposite side of the shaft portion) is pushed, the cover 13 rotates about the shaft portion, and the switch 71 is rearward at the operation portion 132 of the cover 13. Pushed into. That is, the cover 13 is a piano handle for pressing and operating the switch 71.
　要するに、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１は、筐体１２の前面１２１側から押操作可能なスイッチ７１を更に備えている。カバー１３は、カバー１３越しにスイッチ７１を押操作するための操作部１３２を含んでいる。この構成によれば、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態において、カバー１３越しにスイッチ７１を操作することが可能である。 In short, the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a switch 71 that can be pressed and operated from the front surface 121 side of the housing 12. The cover 13 includes an operation unit 132 for pressing and operating the switch 71 through the cover 13. According to this configuration, the switch 71 can be operated through the cover 13 in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12. Is.
　ところで、本実施形態では、図２Ｂに示すように、スイッチ７１の他に、表示部７２と、設定操作部７３と、設定スイッチ７４と、動作表示部７５と、が筐体１２の前面１２１に配置されている。 By the way, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, in addition to the switch 71, the display unit 72, the setting operation unit 73, the setting switch 74, and the operation display unit 75 are located on the front surface 121 of the housing 12. Have been placed.
　表示部７２は、接続情報を表示する。本開示でいう「接続情報」は、通信端末２を無線通信部１１に接続する際に用いられる情報であって、例えば、識別子としてのＳＳＩＤ及びパスワード等を含む。表示部７２は、例えば、図２Ｂに示すように、筐体１２の前面１２１の中央部に配置されている。そのため、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態においては、表示部７２はカバー１３に覆い隠される。一方、筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外された状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置にある状態においては、表示部７２は露出し、視認可能な状態となる。すなわち、無線通信装置１は、筐体１２の前面１２１に配置され、通信端末２を無線通信部１１に接続する際に用いられる接続情報を表示する表示部７２を備えている。少なくともカバー１３が第２位置にある状態では、表示部７２が視認可能である。 The display unit 72 displays the connection information. The "connection information" referred to in the present disclosure is information used when connecting the communication terminal 2 to the wireless communication unit 11, and includes, for example, an SSID and a password as identifiers. The display unit 72 is arranged at the center of the front surface 121 of the housing 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the display unit 72 is covered by the cover 13. On the other hand, in the state where the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the display unit 72 is exposed and becomes visible. That is, the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes a display unit 72 that displays connection information used when connecting the communication terminal 2 to the wireless communication unit 11. At least when the cover 13 is in the second position, the display unit 72 is visible.
　また、本実施形態では、表示部７２は、筐体１２の前面１２１の所定領域に貼り付けられたシールである。つまり、接続情報が印刷によって表記されたシールが筐体１２の前面１２１に貼り付けられることで、表示部７２を構成する。ここで、表示部７２としてのシールは、１台の無線通信装置１に対して複数枚、同梱されることが好ましい。すなわち、無線通信装置１は、上述したように、親機と子機とのいずれで使用されるかを切替え可能に構成されている。そして、子機は、親機と同一のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードを使用するので、表示部７２としてのシールが複数枚あれば、親機に加えて１台以上の子機に対しても、親機と同一の接続情報が表記された表示部７２が設けられる。要するに、表示部７２は、無線通信部１１が子機として機能する場合に、親機の識別子（一例としてＳＳＩＤ）を表示する。 Further, in the present embodiment, the display unit 72 is a sticker attached to a predetermined area on the front surface 121 of the housing 12. That is, the display unit 72 is formed by attaching a sticker on which the connection information is printed to the front surface 121 of the housing 12. Here, it is preferable that a plurality of stickers as the display unit 72 are bundled with one wireless communication device 1. That is, as described above, the wireless communication device 1 is configured so that it can be switched between the master unit and the slave unit. Since the slave unit uses the same SSID and password as the master unit, if there are a plurality of stickers as the display unit 72, the slave unit can be used with one or more slave units in addition to the master unit. A display unit 72 on which the same connection information is displayed is provided. In short, the display unit 72 displays the identifier of the master unit (SSID as an example) when the wireless communication unit 11 functions as a slave unit.
　設定操作部７３は、無線通信部１１の機能を設定するための操作を受け付ける。本実施形態では一例として、設定操作部７３は、図２Ｂに示すように、筐体１２の前面１２１に配置されたスライドスイッチである。そのため、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態においては、設定操作部７３はカバー１３に覆い隠される。一方、筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外された状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置にある状態においては、設定操作部７３は露出し、操作可能な状態となる。すなわち、無線通信装置１は、筐体１２の前面１２１に配置され、無線通信部１１の機能を設定するための操作を受け付ける設定操作部７３を備えている。少なくともカバー１３が第２位置にある状態では、設定操作部７３が操作可能である。 The setting operation unit 73 accepts an operation for setting the function of the wireless communication unit 11. As an example in the present embodiment, the setting operation unit 73 is a slide switch arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the setting operation unit 73 is covered by the cover 13. On the other hand, when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the setting operation unit 73 is exposed and can be operated. .. That is, the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes a setting operation unit 73 that accepts an operation for setting the function of the wireless communication unit 11. At least when the cover 13 is in the second position, the setting operation unit 73 can be operated.
　設定操作部７３では、無線通信部１１について、例えば、通常モード、オフモード及び設定モードの３つの動作モードを切替え可能である。通常モードは、無線通信部１１のアクセスポイント１０１としての機能を有効にするモードである。オフモードは、無線通信部１１のアクセスポイント１０１としての機能を無効にするモードである。つまり、無線通信装置１の無線通信を停止させる場合には、設定操作部７３にてオフモードを選択すればよい。設定モードは、例えば、接続情報の設定、親機と子機との切り替え等を行うためのモードである。 The setting operation unit 73 can switch between three operation modes of the wireless communication unit 11, for example, a normal mode, an off mode, and a setting mode. The normal mode is a mode for enabling the function of the wireless communication unit 11 as an access point 101. The off mode is a mode in which the function of the wireless communication unit 11 as an access point 101 is invalidated. That is, when stopping the wireless communication of the wireless communication device 1, the off mode may be selected by the setting operation unit 73. The setting mode is, for example, a mode for setting connection information, switching between a master unit and a slave unit, and the like.
　設定スイッチ７４は、接続設定を行うためのスイッチである。本開示でいう「接続設定」は、通信端末２と無線通信部１１との間の無線通信を確立するための設定、言い換えれば、通信端末２をアクセスポイント１０１に接続するために行われる設定である。本実施形態では、例えば、無線通信部１１のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードが通信端末２にて入力されることにより、接続設定が実行される。ただし、通信端末２の中には、ＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードを入力するためのユーザインタフェースを持たない機器（設備機器等）があり、このような通信端末２については、別の手段で接続設定を行う必要がある。具体的には、例えば、Wi-Fi（登録商標） Protected Setup（ＷＰＳ）等の方式により、アクセスポイント１０１側の操作で通信端末２と無線通信部１１との間の無線通信を確立することが可能である。本実施形態では一例として、設定スイッチ７４は、ＷＰＳによる接続設定を行うためのスイッチである。すなわち、無線通信装置１は、通信端末２と無線通信部１１との間の無線通信を確立するための設定スイッチ７４を備えている。 The setting switch 74 is a switch for setting the connection. The "connection setting" referred to in the present disclosure is a setting for establishing wireless communication between the communication terminal 2 and the wireless communication unit 11, in other words, a setting for connecting the communication terminal 2 to the access point 101. is there. In the present embodiment, for example, the connection setting is executed by inputting the SSID and password of the wireless communication unit 11 at the communication terminal 2. However, some communication terminals 2 do not have a user interface for inputting an SSID and a password (equipment equipment, etc.), and it is necessary to set the connection for such a communication terminal 2 by another means. There is. Specifically, for example, it is possible to establish wireless communication between the communication terminal 2 and the wireless communication unit 11 by operating the access point 101 side by a method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) Protected Setup (WPS). It is possible. In the present embodiment, as an example, the setting switch 74 is a switch for setting the connection by WPS. That is, the wireless communication device 1 includes a setting switch 74 for establishing wireless communication between the communication terminal 2 and the wireless communication unit 11.
　本実施形態では、設定スイッチ７４は、図２Ｂに示すように、筐体１２の前面１２１に配置された押釦スイッチである。そのため、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態においては、設定スイッチ７４はカバー１３に覆い隠される。一方、筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外された状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置にある状態においては、設定スイッチ７４は露出し、操作可能な状態となる。すなわち、設定スイッチ７４は、筐体１２の前面１２１に配置されている。カバー１３は、第１位置にて設定スイッチ７４を覆い、第２位置にて設定スイッチ７４を露出させる。 In the present embodiment, the setting switch 74 is a push button switch arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the setting switch 74 is covered by the cover 13. On the other hand, when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the setting switch 74 is exposed and can be operated. That is, the setting switch 74 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12. The cover 13 covers the setting switch 74 at the first position and exposes the setting switch 74 at the second position.
　動作表示部７５は、無線通信部１１の動作状態を表示する。本開示でいう「動作状態」は、無線通信部１１の動作に関し、例えば、未接続、接続完了、通信中又は接続異常等の状態である。本実施形態では、動作表示部７５は、図２Ｂに示すように、筐体１２の前面１２１の左上隅部に配置され、無線通信部１１の動作状態を発光状態で表示する表示灯（ＬＥＤ等）である。ここでいう「発光状態」は、例えば、動作表示部７５の点灯／消灯、点滅パターン（点滅周期）、及び発光色等を含む。そのため、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態においては、動作表示部７５はカバー１３に覆われる。一方、筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外された状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置にある状態においては、動作表示部７５は露出する。すなわち、無線通信装置１は、筐体１２の前面１２１に配置され、無線通信部１１の動作状態を表示する動作表示部７５を備えている。 The operation display unit 75 displays the operation status of the wireless communication unit 11. The "operating state" referred to in the present disclosure is a state related to the operation of the wireless communication unit 11, such as unconnected, completed connection, communicating, or abnormal connection. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the operation display unit 75 is arranged in the upper left corner of the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and is an indicator lamp (LED or the like) that displays the operation state of the wireless communication unit 11 in a light emitting state. ). The "light emitting state" here includes, for example, lighting / extinguishing of the operation display unit 75, a blinking pattern (blinking cycle), a emission color, and the like. Therefore, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the operation display unit 75 is covered by the cover 13. On the other hand, when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the operation display unit 75 is exposed. That is, the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes an operation display unit 75 that displays the operation state of the wireless communication unit 11.
　ここにおいて、カバー１３のうち、少なくとも動作表示部７５に対向する部位は光透過性を有することが好ましい。ここでいう「光透過性」とは、透光性又は透明の意味であって、少なくとも可視光を透過する性質を意味する。これにより、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態においても、動作表示部７５はカバー１３を通して視認可能となる。 Here, it is preferable that at least the portion of the cover 13 facing the operation display unit 75 has light transmission. The term "light transmissive" as used herein means translucent or transparent, and means at least the property of transmitting visible light. As a result, the operation display unit 75 can be visually recognized through the cover 13 even when the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
　回路ブロック１０は、図３に示すように、無線通信部１１と、有線通信部１４と、処理部１５と、記憶部１６と、切替部１７と、負荷制御部１８と、を有している。つまり、本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、無線通信部１１及び有線通信部１４に加えて、処理部１５、記憶部１６、切替部１７及び負荷制御部１８を備えている。回路ブロック１０は筐体１２に収容されているので、筐体１２には、無線通信部１１だけでなく、有線通信部１４、処理部１５、記憶部１６、切替部１７及び負荷制御部１８も収容されることになる。 As shown in FIG. 3, the circuit block 10 includes a wireless communication unit 11, a wired communication unit 14, a processing unit 15, a storage unit 16, a switching unit 17, and a load control unit 18. .. That is, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 1 includes a processing unit 15, a storage unit 16, a switching unit 17, and a load control unit 18 in addition to the wireless communication unit 11 and the wired communication unit 14. Since the circuit block 10 is housed in the housing 12, not only the wireless communication unit 11 but also the wired communication unit 14, the processing unit 15, the storage unit 16, the switching unit 17, and the load control unit 18 are contained in the housing 12. Will be contained.
　無線通信部１１は、上述したように、通信端末２と無線通信を行うアクセスポイント１０１として機能する。ここでは、無線通信部１１は、通信端末２とはWi-Fi（登録商標）により通信する。本実施形態では一例として、無線通信部１１は、IEEE（Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers）802.11ac/11n/11a/11g/11bに対応している。さらに、無線通信部１１は、２．４ＧＨｚと５ＧＨｚとの両方の周波数帯を、同時に利用可能である。特に、本実施形態では、無線通信部１１は、各々が通信端末２と無線通信を行う複数のアクセスポイント１０１を含むメッシュネットワークにおいて、複数のアクセスポイント１０１の１つとして機能する。 As described above, the wireless communication unit 11 functions as an access point 101 that wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2. Here, the wireless communication unit 11 communicates with the communication terminal 2 by Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In this embodiment, as an example, the wireless communication unit 11 corresponds to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11ac / 11n / 11a / 11g / 11b. Further, the wireless communication unit 11 can use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands at the same time. In particular, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 11 functions as one of the plurality of access points 101 in the mesh network including the plurality of access points 101, each of which wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal 2.
　有線通信部１４は、上述したように、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１のうち、無線通信部１１とは別のアクセスポイント１０１との間で有線通信する。つまり、有線通信部１４は、無線通信部１１と他のアクセスポイント１０１との間の通信を、電線Ｌ１（ここではＬＡＮケーブル）を媒体とする有線通信にて実現する。これにより、複数のアクセスポイント１０１を接続するためのバックホールが実現される。 As described above, the wired communication unit 14 performs wired communication with the access point 101 different from the wireless communication unit 11 among the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network. That is, the wired communication unit 14 realizes the communication between the wireless communication unit 11 and the other access point 101 by the wired communication using the electric wire L1 (here, the LAN cable) as a medium. As a result, a backhaul for connecting a plurality of access points 101 is realized.
　処理部１５は、例えば、１以上のプロセッサ及び１以上のメモリを有するマイクロコントローラを主構成として備えている。マイクロコントローラは、１以上のメモリに記録されているプログラムを１以上のプロセッサで実行することにより、処理部１５としての機能を実現する。プログラムは、予めメモリに記録されていてもよいし、メモリカードのような非一時的記録媒体に記録されて提供されたり、電気通信回線を通して提供されたりしてもよい。言い換えれば、上記プログラムは、１以上のプロセッサを、処理部１５として機能させるためのプログラムである。 The processing unit 15 includes, for example, a microprocessor having one or more processors and one or more memories as a main configuration. The microcontroller realizes the function as the processing unit 15 by executing the program recorded in one or more memories by one or more processors. The program may be pre-recorded in memory, provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or provided through a telecommunication line. In other words, the above program is a program for causing one or more processors to function as the processing unit 15.
　処理部１５は、少なくとも無線通信部１１及び有線通信部１４を制御する。そして、処理部１５は、例えば、設定操作部７３の操作に応じて、無線通信部１１の動作モードを、通常モード／オフモード／設定モード間で切り替える。さらに、処理部１５は、例えば、設定スイッチ７４の操作に応じて、無線通信部１１の接続設定を実行する。 The processing unit 15 controls at least the wireless communication unit 11 and the wired communication unit 14. Then, the processing unit 15 switches the operation mode of the wireless communication unit 11 between the normal mode / off mode / setting mode in response to the operation of the setting operation unit 73, for example. Further, the processing unit 15 executes the connection setting of the wireless communication unit 11 in response to the operation of the setting switch 74, for example.
　記憶部１６は、無線通信装置１の動作に必要な情報を記憶する。記憶部１６は、書き換え可能な不揮発性メモリを含む。本実施形態では、記憶部１６は、少なくとも識別子としてのＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードを記憶する。さらに、記憶部１６は、複数のアクセスポイント１０１同士を接続してメッシュネットワークを構築するために必要な情報も記憶する。 The storage unit 16 stores information necessary for the operation of the wireless communication device 1. The storage unit 16 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 16 stores at least the SSID and the password as identifiers. Further, the storage unit 16 also stores information necessary for connecting a plurality of access points 101 to each other to construct a mesh network.
　切替部１７は、無線通信部１１について親機と子機との切り替えを行う。すなわち、上述したように、無線通信装置１は、親機及び子機のいずれとしても使用でき、親機と子機とのいずれで使用されるかを切替え可能に構成されている。一例として、設定操作部７３で設定モードを選択した状態で、設定スイッチ７４を長押しする、といった特定の操作を無線通信装置１が受け付けた場合に、切替部１７にて親機と子機との切り替えが行われる。勿論、親機と子機との切替え用のスイッチ（ディップスイッチ等）が設けられていてもよい。 The switching unit 17 switches between the master unit and the slave unit for the wireless communication unit 11. That is, as described above, the wireless communication device 1 can be used as either a master unit or a slave unit, and is configured to be able to switch between the master unit and the slave unit. As an example, when the wireless communication device 1 accepts a specific operation such as pressing and holding the setting switch 74 with the setting mode selected in the setting operation unit 73, the switching unit 17 switches between the master unit and the slave unit. Is switched. Of course, a switch (such as a DIP switch) for switching between the master unit and the slave unit may be provided.
　１つのメッシュネットワーク内においては、１台の無線通信装置１のみが親機となり、残りの１台以上の無線通信装置１は全て子機となるように、無線通信装置１ごとに切替部１７にて親機／子機が選択される。親機及び子機が選択されると、親機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードは、バックホール（電線Ｌ１）を通して１台以上の子機に送信され、子機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードは、親機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードと共通化される。 In one mesh network, only one wireless communication device 1 serves as a master unit, and the remaining one or more wireless communication devices 1 all serve as slave units. The master unit / slave unit is selected. When the master unit and the slave unit are selected, the SSID and password of the master unit are transmitted to one or more slave units through the back hole (electric wire L1), and the SSID and password of the slave unit are the SSID and password of the master unit. Is shared with.
　負荷制御部１８は、スイッチ７１の押操作に応じて負荷５を制御する。本実施形態では、負荷制御部１８は、例えば、トランジスタ又は双方向サイリスタ等の半導体スイッチを含んでいる。無線通信装置１は、一対の端子を備えており、負荷制御部１８は、一対の端子間に電気的に接続されている。無線通信装置１は、スイッチ７１の押操作に応じて、負荷制御部１８にて半導体スイッチを電子的に制御することにより、電源と負荷５との間の導通／非導通を電子的に切り替える、いわゆる電子スイッチである。つまり、カバー１３越しにスイッチ７１が押操作されることにより、無線通信装置１は、電源と負荷５との間の導通／非導通を切り替える。これにより、無線通信装置１は、負荷５への通電状態を切り替えるスイッチ装置として機能する。 The load control unit 18 controls the load 5 according to the pressing operation of the switch 71. In this embodiment, the load control unit 18 includes a semiconductor switch such as a transistor or a bidirectional thyristor, for example. The wireless communication device 1 includes a pair of terminals, and the load control unit 18 is electrically connected between the pair of terminals. The wireless communication device 1 electronically switches between conduction and non-conduction between the power supply and the load 5 by electronically controlling the semiconductor switch by the load control unit 18 in response to the pressing operation of the switch 71. It is a so-called electronic switch. That is, when the switch 71 is pushed through the cover 13, the wireless communication device 1 switches between conduction and non-conduction between the power supply and the load 5. As a result, the wireless communication device 1 functions as a switch device for switching the energized state of the load 5.
　また、本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、半導体スイッチの両端に印加される電圧から内部回路（回路ブロック１０）の動作用の電力を生成する電源回路を有している。電源回路は、例えば、回路ブロック１０に含まれている。言い換えれば、無線通信装置１は、電源から一対の端子間に印加される電圧を入力として、内部回路の動作用の電力を生成する。すなわち、無線通信装置１は、一対の端子に接続される２本の電線にて、内部回路の動作用の電力をも確保できる、いわゆる２線式の配線器具である。このような２線式の配線器具においては、内部回路の動作用の電力を供給するための電源端子を、一対の端子とは別に設ける必要がなく、無線通信装置１を設置する際の配線作業も簡単になる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 1 has a power supply circuit that generates electric power for operation of the internal circuit (circuit block 10) from the voltage applied to both ends of the semiconductor switch. The power supply circuit is included in, for example, the circuit block 10. In other words, the wireless communication device 1 receives the voltage applied between the power supply and the pair of terminals as an input to generate electric power for operating the internal circuit. That is, the wireless communication device 1 is a so-called two-wire type wiring device that can secure electric power for operating an internal circuit with two electric wires connected to a pair of terminals. In such a two-wire wiring device, it is not necessary to provide a power supply terminal for supplying electric power for operating the internal circuit separately from the pair of terminals, and the wiring work when installing the wireless communication device 1 is performed. Will also be easy.
　（２．４）無線通信装置の取付構造
　次に、本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１の取付構造について、図４Ａ及び図４Ｂを参照して説明する。 (2.4) Mounting Structure of Wireless Communication Device Next, the mounting structure of the wireless communication device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
　本実施形態では、無線通信装置１は、上述したように埋込型の配線器具であるので、例えば、埋込型のスイッチボックス等の取付部材８５を用いて施工面３００（ここでは壁面）に取り付けられる。すなわち、施工面３００には施工孔３０１が形成されており、施工面３００の裏側（壁裏）に配置されたスイッチボックス等の取付部材８５に対して、無線通信装置１が施工孔３０１を通して取り付けられる。 In the present embodiment, since the wireless communication device 1 is an embedded wiring device as described above, for example, a mounting member 85 such as an embedded switch box is used on the construction surface 300 (here, the wall surface). It is attached. That is, a construction hole 301 is formed on the construction surface 300, and the wireless communication device 1 is attached to the attachment member 85 such as a switch box arranged on the back side (back of the wall) of the construction surface 300 through the construction hole 301. Be done.
　取付枠１９は、例えば、日本工業規格によって規格化された大角形連用配線器具の取付枠である。本実施形態では、取付枠１９は筐体１２と一体化されている。具体的には、取付枠１９は、正面視において矩形枠状に形成されている。この取付枠１９の内側に筐体１２が位置するように、筐体１２と取付枠１９とが一体化されている。 The mounting frame 19 is, for example, a mounting frame for a large-angle continuous wiring device standardized by the Japanese Industrial Standards. In this embodiment, the mounting frame 19 is integrated with the housing 12. Specifically, the mounting frame 19 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. The housing 12 and the mounting frame 19 are integrated so that the housing 12 is located inside the mounting frame 19.
　取付枠１９は、一例として、合成樹脂製である。取付枠１９には、一対の取付孔１９１と、一対のプレート固定孔１９２と、が形成されている。一対の取付孔１９１を通して、一対の取付ねじ８３がスイッチボックス等の取付部材８５に締め付けられることで、取付枠１９は、施工面３００に取り付けられる。 The mounting frame 19 is made of synthetic resin as an example. The mounting frame 19 is formed with a pair of mounting holes 191 and a pair of plate fixing holes 192. The mounting frame 19 is mounted on the construction surface 300 by tightening the pair of mounting screws 83 to the mounting member 85 such as the switch box through the pair of mounting holes 191.
　スイッチプレート８は、化粧プレート８１と、固定プレート８２と、を有している。つまり、本実施形態では、スイッチプレート８は、化粧プレート８１及び固定プレート８２の２部材で構成されている。スイッチプレート８（化粧プレート８１及び固定プレート８２）は、一例として、合成樹脂製である。 The switch plate 8 has a decorative plate 81 and a fixed plate 82. That is, in the present embodiment, the switch plate 8 is composed of two members, a decorative plate 81 and a fixing plate 82. The switch plate 8 (decorative plate 81 and fixed plate 82) is made of synthetic resin as an example.
　固定プレート８２は、取付枠１９に固定される。化粧プレート８１は、固定プレート８２の前面を覆うように、固定プレート８２に取り付けられる。このように、化粧プレート８１は、筐体１２と一体化されている取付枠１９に対し、固定プレート８２を介して間接的に固定される。化粧プレート８１には窓孔８０１が形成されており、スイッチプレート８が取付枠１９に取り付けられた状態では、窓孔８０１からカバー１３の前面１３１が露出することになる。 The fixing plate 82 is fixed to the mounting frame 19. The decorative plate 81 is attached to the fixing plate 82 so as to cover the front surface of the fixing plate 82. In this way, the decorative plate 81 is indirectly fixed to the mounting frame 19 integrated with the housing 12 via the fixing plate 82. A window hole 801 is formed in the decorative plate 81, and when the switch plate 8 is attached to the mounting frame 19, the front surface 131 of the cover 13 is exposed from the window hole 801.
　つまり、スイッチプレート８は、窓孔８０１を有する枠状の部材であって、その窓孔８０１からカバー１３の前面１３１を露出させるように、取付枠１９と組み合わされる。言い換えれば、取付枠１９とスイッチプレート８とが組み合われた状態では、正面視において、スイッチプレート８（化粧プレート８１）の内側（窓孔８０１内）にカバー１３の前面１３１が位置する。これにより、図４Ｂに示すように、スイッチプレート８が筐体１２及びカバー１３と共に施工面３００に取り付けられた状態で、筐体１２及びカバー１３の周囲をスイッチプレート８が覆うことになり、取付枠１９及び施工孔３０１等が露出せずに見映えがよくなる。 That is, the switch plate 8 is a frame-shaped member having the window hole 801 and is combined with the mounting frame 19 so as to expose the front surface 131 of the cover 13 from the window hole 801. In other words, in the state where the mounting frame 19 and the switch plate 8 are combined, the front surface 131 of the cover 13 is located inside the switch plate 8 (decorative plate 81) (inside the window hole 801) in the front view. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the switch plate 8 covers the periphery of the housing 12 and the cover 13 in a state where the switch plate 8 is attached to the construction surface 300 together with the housing 12 and the cover 13, and the mounting The frame 19 and the construction hole 301 are not exposed and the appearance is improved.
　より詳細には、化粧プレート８１は、正面視において矩形枠状に形成されている。化粧プレート８１の中央部には、化粧プレート８１を前後方向に貫通する窓孔８０１が形成されている。化粧プレート８１は、スナップフィット構造により、取外し可能な状態で、固定プレート８２と機械的に結合される。すなわち、化粧プレート８１及び固定プレート８２は、化粧プレート８１と固定プレート８２との少なくとも一方の弾性を利用して、化粧プレート８１及び固定プレート８２一方の爪を、他方の孔に引っ掛けることにより、機械的に結合される。 More specifically, the decorative plate 81 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. A window hole 801 that penetrates the decorative plate 81 in the front-rear direction is formed in the central portion of the decorative plate 81. The decorative plate 81 is mechanically coupled to the fixing plate 82 in a removable state by the snap-fit structure. That is, the decorative plate 81 and the fixing plate 82 utilize the elasticity of at least one of the decorative plate 81 and the fixing plate 82 to hook one of the nails of the decorative plate 81 and the fixing plate 82 into the hole of the other, thereby causing a machine. Are combined.
　また、固定プレート８２は、正面視において矩形枠状に形成されている。さらに、固定プレート８２には、一対の透孔８２１が形成されている。一対の透孔８２１を通して、一対の固定ねじ８４が取付枠１９の一対のプレート固定孔１９２に締め付けられることで、固定プレート８２は、取付枠１９に取り付けられる。 Further, the fixed plate 82 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. Further, the fixing plate 82 is formed with a pair of through holes 821. The fixing plate 82 is attached to the mounting frame 19 by tightening the pair of fixing screws 84 to the pair of plate fixing holes 192 of the mounting frame 19 through the pair of through holes 821.
　（２．５）ネットワークの提供方法
　次に、本実施形態に係るネットワーク（メッシュネットワーク）の提供方法について説明する。 (2.5) Network Providing Method Next, a network (mesh network) providing method according to the present embodiment will be described.
　本実施形態に係るネットワークの提供方法は、上述したような構成の無線通信装置１を用いることで、無線通信装置１を含む複数のアクセスポイント１０１にて構築されるメッシュネットワークを提供する方法である。すなわち、上述したように無線通信装置１の無線通信部１１は、複数のアクセスポイント１０１を含むメッシュネットワークにおいて、複数のアクセスポイント１０１の１つとして機能する。したがって、この無線通信装置１を、施設Ｆ１の施工面３００（ここでは壁面）に複数台設置することで、メッシュネットワークを構築することができる。 The network providing method according to the present embodiment is a method of providing a mesh network constructed by a plurality of access points 101 including the wireless communication device 1 by using the wireless communication device 1 having the above-described configuration. .. That is, as described above, the wireless communication unit 11 of the wireless communication device 1 functions as one of the plurality of access points 101 in the mesh network including the plurality of access points 101. Therefore, a mesh network can be constructed by installing a plurality of the wireless communication devices 1 on the construction surface 300 (here, the wall surface) of the facility F1.
　より詳細には、「（２．４）無線通信装置の取付構造」の欄で説明したように、無線通信装置１は、例えば、埋込型のスイッチボックス等の取付部材８５を用いて施工面３００に取り付けられる。本実施形態では、施設Ｆ１の全体が、メッシュネットワークの通信可能範囲に含まれるように、１つの部屋に１つの無線通信装置１が設置される。ここで、有線通信部１４を接続するための電線Ｌ１（ＬＡＮケーブル）は、施工面３００の裏側を通すように設置された隠ぺい配線（先行配線）である。そこで、無線通信装置１を施工面３００に固定する際には、無線通信装置１を電線Ｌ１に接続する。これにより、電線Ｌ１を介して複数台の無線通信装置１が有線接続されることになる。さらに、無線通信装置１は、電源及び負荷５に対しても接続される。 More specifically, as described in the column of "(2.4) Mounting structure of wireless communication device", the wireless communication device 1 is constructed by using, for example, a mounting member 85 such as an embedded switch box. Attached to 300. In the present embodiment, one wireless communication device 1 is installed in one room so that the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the mesh network. Here, the electric wire L1 (LAN cable) for connecting the wired communication unit 14 is a concealed wiring (preceding wiring) installed so as to pass through the back side of the construction surface 300. Therefore, when fixing the wireless communication device 1 to the construction surface 300, the wireless communication device 1 is connected to the electric wire L1. As a result, a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 are connected by wire via the electric wire L1. Further, the wireless communication device 1 is also connected to the power supply and the load 5.
　それから、無線通信装置１の各々においては、親機／子機の選択等の初期設定が行われる。親機及び子機が選択されると、親機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードは、バックホール（電線Ｌ１）を通して１台以上の子機に送信され、子機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードは、親機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードと共通化される。さらに、親機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワード等の接続情報が表示された表示部７２（シール）が、親機及び１台以上の子機に貼り付けられることで、全てのアクセスポイント１０１に同様の表示部７２が設けられる。 Then, in each of the wireless communication devices 1, initial settings such as selection of a master unit / slave unit are performed. When the master unit and the slave unit are selected, the SSID and password of the master unit are transmitted to one or more slave units through the back hole (electric wire L1), and the SSID and password of the slave unit are the SSID and password of the master unit. Is shared with. Further, a display unit 72 (sticker) displaying connection information such as the SSID and password of the master unit is attached to the master unit and one or more slave units, so that the same display unit is applied to all access points 101. 72 is provided.
　最後に、メッシュネットワークに接続する通信端末２において、アクセスポイント１０１に接続するための接続設定を実行する。つまり、スマートフォン等のユーザインタフェースを持つ通信端末２については、通信端末２にて親機のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードを入力することで接続設定が行われる。ここで、上述したように、無線通信装置１は、筐体１２の前面１２１に配置され、通信端末２を無線通信部１１に接続する際に用いられる接続情報を表示する表示部７２を備え、少なくともカバー１３が第２位置にある状態では、表示部７２が視認可能である。そのため、ユーザは、例えば、近くに設置されている無線通信装置１の表示部７２にて、接続情報（ＳＳＩＤ及びパスワード等）を確認することができる。ユーザインタフェースを持たない通信端末２については、ＷＰＳによる接続設定を行うための設定スイッチ７４を操作することで、接続設定が行われる。 Finally, on the communication terminal 2 connected to the mesh network, the connection setting for connecting to the access point 101 is executed. That is, for the communication terminal 2 having a user interface such as a smartphone, the connection setting is made by inputting the SSID and password of the master unit on the communication terminal 2. Here, as described above, the wireless communication device 1 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and includes a display unit 72 that displays connection information used when connecting the communication terminal 2 to the wireless communication unit 11. At least when the cover 13 is in the second position, the display unit 72 is visible. Therefore, the user can confirm the connection information (SSID, password, etc.) on the display unit 72 of the wireless communication device 1 installed nearby, for example. For the communication terminal 2 that does not have a user interface, the connection setting is performed by operating the setting switch 74 for performing the connection setting by WPS.
　以上のような手順で、複数台の無線通信装置１が設置され、複数台の無線通信装置１同士が接続され、初期設定が行われることによって、メッシュネットワークとしてのネットワークシステム１００が構築される。つまり、上記ネットワークの提供方法により、メッシュネットワークが提供され、通信端末２は、メッシュネットワークを構築する複数のアクセスポイント１０１のいずれかと無線通信することで、メッシュネットワークに接続可能となる。 With the above procedure, a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 are installed, a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 are connected to each other, and initial settings are performed to construct a network system 100 as a mesh network. That is, the mesh network is provided by the above network providing method, and the communication terminal 2 can connect to the mesh network by wirelessly communicating with any one of the plurality of access points 101 for constructing the mesh network.
　（３）ネットワークシステムの使用例
　次に、本実施形態に係るネットワークシステム１００の使用例について説明する。 (3) Example of Use of Network System Next, an example of use of the network system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
　ネットワークシステム１００が導入された施設Ｆ１においては、広範囲にわたって、ネットワークシステム１００からなるメッシュネットワークの通信可能範囲とすることができる。特に、本実施形態では、上述したように施設Ｆ１の全体が、ネットワークシステム１００の通信可能範囲に含まれるので、通信端末２は、施設Ｆ１のどこにあっても、メッシュネットワークを介して外部ネットワーク３に接続可能となる。 In the facility F1 in which the network system 100 is introduced, the communicable range of the mesh network composed of the network system 100 can be set over a wide range. In particular, in the present embodiment, as described above, the entire facility F1 is included in the communicable range of the network system 100, so that the communication terminal 2 can be located anywhere in the facility F1 via the external network 3 via the mesh network. Can be connected to.
　そのため、例えば、ユーザは、通信端末２を、施設Ｆ１の１階のリビングにおいてメッシュネットワークを介して外部ネットワーク３に接続したり、施設Ｆ１の２階の寝室においてメッシュネットワークを介して外部ネットワーク３に接続したりすることができる。ここで、通信端末２は、例えば、リビングにおいてはリビングに設置された無線通信装置１からなるアクセスポイント１０１と無線通信し、寝室においては寝室に設置された無線通信装置１からなるアクセスポイント１０１と無線通信する。したがって、アクセスポイント１０１が、施設Ｆ１に１つしか設置されていない場合に比較して、施設Ｆ１の広範囲において、通信端末２をネットワークシステム１００（及び外部ネットワーク３）に安定的に接続することができる。 Therefore, for example, the user connects the communication terminal 2 to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the living room on the first floor of the facility F1, or connects to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the bedroom on the second floor of the facility F1. You can connect. Here, the communication terminal 2 wirelessly communicates with, for example, an access point 101 composed of a wireless communication device 1 installed in the living room in the living room, and an access point 101 composed of the wireless communication device 1 installed in the bedroom in the bedroom. Wireless communication. Therefore, the communication terminal 2 can be stably connected to the network system 100 (and the external network 3) in a wide range of the facility F1 as compared with the case where only one access point 101 is installed in the facility F1. it can.
　また、ネットワークシステム１００はメッシュネットワークであるので、複数台の通信端末２をネットワークシステム１００（及び外部ネットワーク３）に同時に接続する場合でも、安定的に接続することができる。例えば、第１のユーザが施設Ｆ１の１階のリビングにおいて、第１の通信端末２を、メッシュネットワークを介して外部ネットワーク３に接続する場合を想定する。この場合、同時に、第２のユーザが、施設Ｆ１の２階の寝室において第２の通信端末２を、メッシュネットワークを介して外部ネットワーク３に接続しているとする。この場合において、第１の通信端末２は、リビングに設置された無線通信装置１（アクセスポイント１０１）に接続され、第２の通信端末２は、寝室に設置された無線通信装置１（アクセスポイント１０１）に接続される。したがって、通信端末２からのアクセスは複数台の無線通信装置１に分散され、１台の無線通信装置１にアクセスが集中する場合に比較して、無線通信装置１の通信負荷が軽減される。 Further, since the network system 100 is a mesh network, even when a plurality of communication terminals 2 are connected to the network system 100 (and the external network 3) at the same time, they can be stably connected. For example, it is assumed that the first user connects the first communication terminal 2 to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the living room on the first floor of the facility F1. In this case, at the same time, it is assumed that the second user connects the second communication terminal 2 to the external network 3 via the mesh network in the bedroom on the second floor of the facility F1. In this case, the first communication terminal 2 is connected to the wireless communication device 1 (access point 101) installed in the living room, and the second communication terminal 2 is the wireless communication device 1 (access point) installed in the bedroom. It is connected to 101). Therefore, the access from the communication terminal 2 is distributed to a plurality of wireless communication devices 1, and the communication load of the wireless communication device 1 is reduced as compared with the case where the access is concentrated on one wireless communication device 1.
　要するに、通信可能範囲を拡大する手段として中継器を用いることもあるが、メッシュネットワークにおいては、中継器とは異なり、全てのアクセスポイント１０１が同一の機能を有している。そのため、中継器の場合は１台の親機に通信負荷が集中しやすいのに対して、メッシュネットワークでは、通信負荷を分散することができ、安定的かつ高速な通信を実現しやすい。 In short, a repeater may be used as a means for expanding the communicable range, but in a mesh network, unlike the repeater, all access points 101 have the same function. Therefore, in the case of a repeater, the communication load tends to be concentrated on one master unit, whereas in the mesh network, the communication load can be distributed and stable and high-speed communication can be easily realized.
　また、ネットワークシステム１００はメッシュネットワークであるので、通信端末２は、複数のアクセスポイント１０１に対してシームレスに接続可能である。例えば、ユーザが通信端末２を持ったまま、施設Ｆ１の１階のリビングから施設Ｆ１の２階の寝室に移動する場合を想定する。この場合、ユーザの移動に伴って、通信端末２の通信相手は、リビングに設置された無線通信装置１（アクセスポイント１０１）から、寝室に設置された無線通信装置１（アクセスポイント１０１）に切り替わる。ただし、これら複数の無線通信装置１も、共通のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードを有しており、メッシュネットワークを構築しているので、通信端末２と通信を行うアクセスポイント１０１のシームレスな切り替えが実現される。つまり、通信端末２の通信相手は、リビングに設置された無線通信装置１から、寝室に設置された無線通信装置１へと、シームレスに切り替わる。したがって、施設Ｆ１内を通信端末２が移動する場合でも、施設Ｆ１の広範囲において、通信端末２をネットワークシステム１００（及び外部ネットワーク３）に安定的に接続することができる。 Further, since the network system 100 is a mesh network, the communication terminal 2 can be seamlessly connected to a plurality of access points 101. For example, assume that the user moves from the living room on the first floor of the facility F1 to the bedroom on the second floor of the facility F1 while holding the communication terminal 2. In this case, as the user moves, the communication partner of the communication terminal 2 switches from the wireless communication device 1 (access point 101) installed in the living room to the wireless communication device 1 (access point 101) installed in the bedroom. .. However, since these plurality of wireless communication devices 1 also have a common SSID and password and construct a mesh network, seamless switching of the access point 101 that communicates with the communication terminal 2 is realized. That is, the communication partner of the communication terminal 2 seamlessly switches from the wireless communication device 1 installed in the living room to the wireless communication device 1 installed in the bedroom. Therefore, even when the communication terminal 2 moves in the facility F1, the communication terminal 2 can be stably connected to the network system 100 (and the external network 3) in a wide range of the facility F1.
　（４）変形例
　実施形態１は、本開示の様々な実施形態の一つに過ぎない。実施形態１は、本開示の目的を達成できれば、設計等に応じて種々の変更が可能である。本開示において説明する各図は、模式的な図であり、各図中の各構成要素の大きさ及び厚さそれぞれの比が、必ずしも実際の寸法比を反映しているとは限らない。また、実施形態１に係る無線通信装置１と同等の機能は、無線通信方法、（コンピュータ）プログラム、又はプログラムを記録した非一時的記録媒体等で具現化されてもよい。 (4) Modified Example The first embodiment is only one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The first embodiment can be changed in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Each figure described in the present disclosure is a schematic view, and the ratio of the size and the thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. Further, the function equivalent to that of the wireless communication device 1 according to the first embodiment may be realized by a wireless communication method, a (computer) program, a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded, or the like.
　以下、実施形態１の変形例を列挙する。以下に説明する変形例は、適宜組み合わせて適用可能である。 Hereinafter, modified examples of the first embodiment are listed. The modifications described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.
　本開示における無線通信装置１は、処理部１５等にコンピュータシステムを含んでいる。コンピュータシステムは、ハードウェアとしてのプロセッサ及びメモリを主構成とする。コンピュータシステムのメモリに記録されたプログラムをプロセッサが実行することによって、本開示における無線通信装置１としての機能が実現される。プログラムは、コンピュータシステムのメモリに予め記録されてもよく、電気通信回線を通じて提供されてもよく、コンピュータシステムで読み取り可能なメモリカード、光学ディスク、ハードディスクドライブ等の非一時的記録媒体に記録されて提供されてもよい。コンピュータシステムのプロセッサは、半導体集積回路（ＩＣ）又は大規模集積回路（ＬＳＩ）を含む１ないし複数の電子回路で構成される。ここでいうＩＣ又はＬＳＩ等の集積回路は、集積の度合いによって呼び方が異なっており、システムＬＳＩ、ＶＬＳＩ（Very Large Scale Integration）、又はＵＬＳＩ（Ultra Large Scale Integration）と呼ばれる集積回路を含む。さらに、ＬＳＩの製造後にプログラムされる、ＦＰＧＡ（Field-Programmable Gate Array）、又はＬＳＩ内部の接合関係の再構成若しくはＬＳＩ内部の回路区画の再構成が可能な論理デバイスについても、プロセッサとして採用することができる。複数の電子回路は、１つのチップに集約されていてもよいし、複数のチップに分散して設けられていてもよい。複数のチップは、１つの装置に集約されていてもよいし、複数の装置に分散して設けられていてもよい。ここでいうコンピュータシステムは、１以上のプロセッサ及び１以上のメモリを有するマイクロコントローラを含む。したがって、マイクロコントローラについても、半導体集積回路又は大規模集積回路を含む１ないし複数の電子回路で構成される。 The wireless communication device 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system in the processing unit 15 and the like. A computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. When the processor executes the program recorded in the memory of the computer system, the function as the wireless communication device 1 in the present disclosure is realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunications line, and may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, hard disk drive, etc. that can be read by the computer system. May be provided. A processor in a computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuit such as IC or LSI referred to here has a different name depending on the degree of integration, and includes an integrated circuit called a system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Further, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logical device capable of reconfiguring the junction relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit partition inside the LSI should also be adopted as a processor. Can be done. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be distributed on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microprocessor having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microprocessor is also composed of one or a plurality of electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.
　また、無線通信装置１の少なくとも一部の機能が、１つの筐体内に集約されていることは無線通信装置１に必須の構成ではなく、無線通信装置１の構成要素は、複数の筐体に分散して設けられていてもよい。例えば、無線通信部１１と負荷制御部１８とは別の筐体に設けられていてもよい。また、処理部１５等の少なくとも一部の機能は、例えば、サーバ又はクラウド（クラウドコンピューティング）等によって実現されてもよい。 Further, it is not essential for the wireless communication device 1 that at least a part of the functions of the wireless communication device 1 are integrated in one housing, and the components of the wireless communication device 1 are contained in a plurality of housings. It may be provided in a dispersed manner. For example, the wireless communication unit 11 and the load control unit 18 may be provided in different housings. Further, at least a part of the functions of the processing unit 15 and the like may be realized by, for example, a server or a cloud (cloud computing).
　また、複数のアクセスポイント１０１間の接続トポロジはスター型に限らず、適宜の接続トポロジを採用可能である。例えば、親機としてのアクセスポイント１０１に対して、複数台の子機としてのアクセスポイント１０１がデイジーチェーン接続されていてもよい。この場合、親機に対して第１の子機及び第２の子機が接続されるとすれば、第１の子機が親機に直接的に接続され、第２の子機が第１の子機に直接的に接続されることで、第２の子機は第１の子機を介して間接的に、親機に接続されることになる。さらに、親機としてのアクセスポイント１０１、及び複数台の子機としてのアクセスポイント１０１が、スイッチングハブに接続されていてもよい。この場合、複数台の子機は、スイッチングハブを介して間接的に、親機に接続されることになる。 Further, the connection topology between a plurality of access points 101 is not limited to the star type, and an appropriate connection topology can be adopted. For example, a plurality of access points 101 as slave units may be daisy-chained to the access point 101 as a master unit. In this case, if the first slave unit and the second slave unit are connected to the master unit, the first slave unit is directly connected to the master unit and the second slave unit is the first. By being directly connected to the slave unit of, the second slave unit is indirectly connected to the master unit via the first slave unit. Further, an access point 101 as a master unit and an access point 101 as a plurality of slave units may be connected to a switching hub. In this case, the plurality of slave units are indirectly connected to the master unit via the switching hub.
　また、無線通信装置１が有線通信部１４を備えることは、無線通信装置１において必須の構成ではなく、有線通信部１４は適宜省略可能である。有線通信部１４が省略される場合、無線通信装置１と他のアクセスポイント１０１との間の通信は、例えば、無線通信によって実現される。言い換えれば、複数のアクセスポイント１０１は、無線バックホールにて接続されて、メッシュネットワークを構築することになる。 Further, it is not an essential configuration in the wireless communication device 1 that the wireless communication device 1 includes the wired communication unit 14, and the wired communication unit 14 can be omitted as appropriate. When the wired communication unit 14 is omitted, communication between the wireless communication device 1 and another access point 101 is realized by, for example, wireless communication. In other words, the plurality of access points 101 are connected by a wireless backhaul to form a mesh network.
　また、無線通信装置１が親機及び子機のいずれとしても使用できることは、無線通信装置１において必須の構成ではない。すなわち、無線通信装置１は、親機又は子機のいずれかとして機能してもよい。この場合には、親機として機能する１台の無線通信装置１と、子機として機能する１台以上の無線通信装置１と、でメッシュネットワークが構築される。さらに、無線通信装置１においては親機と子機との区別がなくてもよい。 Further, it is not an essential configuration in the wireless communication device 1 that the wireless communication device 1 can be used as both a master unit and a slave unit. That is, the wireless communication device 1 may function as either a master unit or a slave unit. In this case, a mesh network is constructed by one wireless communication device 1 that functions as a master unit and one or more wireless communication devices 1 that function as slave units. Further, in the wireless communication device 1, it is not necessary to distinguish between the master unit and the slave unit.
　また、子機としての無線通信装置１（アクセスポイント１０１）が複数台設けられることは、ネットワークシステム１００に必須の構成ではない。つまり、ネットワークシステム１００には、少なくとも２つのアクセスポイント１０１を有していればよく、この場合に、１台の親機としての無線通信装置１と、１台の子機としての無線通信装置１とでメッシュネットワークが構築されてもよい。 Further, it is not an essential configuration for the network system 100 that a plurality of wireless communication devices 1 (access points 101) as slave units are provided. That is, the network system 100 may have at least two access points 101, and in this case, the wireless communication device 1 as one master unit and the wireless communication device 1 as one slave unit. A mesh network may be constructed with and.
　また、負荷制御部１８は、電源から負荷５への電力の供給／電力供給の停止を切り替えるだけでなく、例えば、調光機能のように、電源から負荷５へ供給される電力量を制御する機能を有していてもよい。この場合、無線通信装置１は、スイッチ装置としての機能に加えて又は代えて、調光装置としての機能を有することになる。 Further, the load control unit 18 not only switches between supplying power to the load 5 from the power supply and stopping the power supply, but also controls the amount of power supplied from the power supply to the load 5 as in the dimming function, for example. It may have a function. In this case, the wireless communication device 1 has a function as a dimming device in addition to or instead of the function as a switch device.
　さらに、負荷５は、ＬＥＤからなる光源を備える照明装置に限らず、ＬＥＤ以外の光源を備える照明装置であってもよい。さらに、負荷５は、照明装置に限らず、例えば、換気扇、表示装置、電動シャッタ、空調機器又は防犯機器等の機器（装置、システム及び設備を含む）であってもよい。また、負荷５は、１台の機器に限らず、電気的に直列又は並列に接続された複数台の機器であってもよい。 Further, the load 5 is not limited to a lighting device including a light source composed of LEDs, and may be a lighting device including a light source other than LEDs. Further, the load 5 is not limited to the lighting device, and may be, for example, a device (including a device, a system, and a facility) such as a ventilation fan, a display device, an electric shutter, an air conditioning device, or a security device. Further, the load 5 is not limited to one device, and may be a plurality of devices electrically connected in series or in parallel.
　また、カバー１３は、筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置と、筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置との間で移動可能であればよく、筐体１２から取外し可能であることは無線通信装置１に必須の構成ではない。例えば、カバー１３は、正面視における左右方向の一端部に回転軸を有し、この回転軸を中心に回転可能となるように、筐体１２に支持されていてもよい。この場合に、カバー１３は、回転軸を中心に回転することで、開閉可能となる。そして、カバー１３が閉じた状態では、カバー１３は筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置に位置し、カバー１３が開放された状態では、カバー１３は筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置に位置することになる。 Further, the cover 13 may be removable from the housing 12 as long as it can be moved between the first position that covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12 and the second position that exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12. This is not an essential configuration for the wireless communication device 1. For example, the cover 13 may have a rotation axis at one end in the left-right direction in the front view, and may be supported by the housing 12 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis. In this case, the cover 13 can be opened and closed by rotating about the rotation axis. When the cover 13 is closed, the cover 13 is located at the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and when the cover 13 is open, the cover 13 exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12. It will be located in two positions.
　また、カバー１３は、カバー１３越しにスイッチ７１を押操作するための操作部１３２を含んでいればよく、カバー１３全体がスイッチ７１を押操作するためのピアノハンドルを構成することは必須でない。例えば、カバー１３は、ピアノハンドル以外の、例えば、シーソー動作をするスイッチハンドルでもよい。さらに、カバー１３は、その一部に片持ち梁状の操作部が形成され、この操作部のみが移動してスイッチ７１を押操作するような構成であってもよい。 Further, the cover 13 may include an operation unit 132 for pressing and operating the switch 71 through the cover 13, and it is not essential that the entire cover 13 constitutes a piano handle for pressing and operating the switch 71. For example, the cover 13 may be a switch handle other than the piano handle, for example, a seesaw operation. Further, the cover 13 may be configured such that a cantilever-shaped operating portion is formed in a part thereof, and only this operating portion moves to push the switch 71.
　また、カバー１３のうち動作表示部７５に対向する部位が光透過性を有することは無線通信装置１に必須の構成ではない。この場合、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態においては、動作表示部７５はカバー１３に覆い隠される。一方、筐体１２からカバー１３が取り外された状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置にある状態においては、動作表示部７５は露出し、視認可能な状態となる。 Further, it is not an essential configuration for the wireless communication device 1 that the portion of the cover 13 facing the operation display unit 75 has light transmission. In this case, in the state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in the state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12, the operation display unit 75 is covered by the cover 13. On the other hand, when the cover 13 is removed from the housing 12, that is, when the cover 13 is in the second position where the front surface 121 of the housing 12 is exposed, the operation display unit 75 is exposed and becomes visible. ..
　また、設定操作部７３及び設定スイッチ７４は、いずれも少なくともカバー１３が第２位置にある状態で操作可能であればよく、カバー１３が第１位置にある状態においても操作可能であってもよい。例えば、設定スイッチ７４は、スイッチ７１と同様に、カバー１３越しに押操作されてもよい。この場合、筐体１２にカバー１３が取り付けられた状態、つまりカバー１３が筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置にある状態において、カバー１３越しに設定スイッチ７４を操作することが可能である。 Further, the setting operation unit 73 and the setting switch 74 may be operable even when the cover 13 is in the first position, as long as they can be operated at least in the state where the cover 13 is in the second position. .. For example, the setting switch 74 may be pushed through the cover 13 in the same manner as the switch 71. In this case, the setting switch 74 can be operated through the cover 13 in a state where the cover 13 is attached to the housing 12, that is, in a state where the cover 13 is in the first position covering the front surface 121 of the housing 12. ..
　また、スイッチ７１は、カバー１３が第１位置にあるときと第２位置にあるときとで、異なる機能が割り当てられてもよい。例えば、カバー１３が第１位置にあればスイッチ７１は負荷制御の機能を有し、カバー１３が第２位置にあればスイッチ７１は設定スイッチ７４の機能を有してもよい。この場合、カバー１３が第２位置にある状態でスイッチ７１が操作されれば、接続設定が実行される。言い換えれば、スイッチ７１は設定スイッチ７４として兼用されることになる。カバー１３が、筐体１２の前面１２１を覆う第１位置と、筐体１２の前面１２１を露出させる第２位置と、のいずれにあるかは、適宜のセンサにて検知可能である。このようなセンサの検知結果に応じて、スイッチ７１の機能が切り替えられる。 Further, the switch 71 may be assigned different functions depending on whether the cover 13 is in the first position or the second position. For example, if the cover 13 is in the first position, the switch 71 may have a load control function, and if the cover 13 is in the second position, the switch 71 may have a function of a setting switch 74. In this case, if the switch 71 is operated while the cover 13 is in the second position, the connection setting is executed. In other words, the switch 71 is also used as the setting switch 74. Whether the cover 13 is in the first position that covers the front surface 121 of the housing 12 or the second position that exposes the front surface 121 of the housing 12 can be detected by an appropriate sensor. The function of the switch 71 is switched according to the detection result of such a sensor.
　また、表示部７２は、筐体１２の前面１２１の所定領域に貼り付けられるシールに限らず、例えば、銘鈑又はカード等が筐体１２の前面１２１に付されて表示部７２を構成してもよい。さらに、表示部７２は、筐体１２に直接的に印字又は刻印されることで形成されていてもよいし、筐体１２の前面１２１に手書きで記入されてもよい。 Further, the display unit 72 is not limited to a sticker attached to a predetermined area on the front surface 121 of the housing 12, and for example, a name plate or a card is attached to the front surface 121 of the housing 12 to form the display unit 72. May be good. Further, the display unit 72 may be formed by being directly printed or engraved on the housing 12, or may be handwritten on the front surface 121 of the housing 12.
　また、アクセスポイント１０１（無線通信装置１）と通信端末２との間の無線通信は、Wi-Fi（登録商標）に限らず、例えば、Bluetooth（登録商標）、ZigBee（登録商標）又は免許を必要としない小電力無線（特定小電力無線）等であってもよい。 Further, wireless communication between the access point 101 (wireless communication device 1) and the communication terminal 2 is not limited to Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark) or a license. It may be a low power radio (specific low power radio) or the like that is not required.
　また、カバー１３は無線通信装置１に必須の構成ではなく、カバー１３は適宜省略されてもよい。 Further, the cover 13 is not an essential configuration for the wireless communication device 1, and the cover 13 may be omitted as appropriate.
　（実施形態２）
　本実施形態に係る無線通信装置１Ａは、図５Ａ～図６Ｂに示すように、スイッチ装置としての機能を有さない点で、実施形態１に係る無線通信装置１と相違する。以下、実施形態１と同様の構成については、共通の符号を付して適宜説明を省略する。 (Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIGS. 5A to 6B, the wireless communication device 1A according to the present embodiment is different from the wireless communication device 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have a function as a switch device. Hereinafter, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be designated by a common reference numeral and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
　本実施形態では、カバー１３は、スイッチハンドルとしての機能を有さないため、可動式でなく、固定式である。つまり、カバー１３は、筐体１２に対して取外し可能に取り付けられてはいるものの、筐体１２に取り付けられた状態で筐体１２に対して想定的に変位しない。 In the present embodiment, since the cover 13 does not have a function as a switch handle, it is not a movable type but a fixed type. That is, although the cover 13 is detachably attached to the housing 12, the cover 13 is not supposedly displaced with respect to the housing 12 in the state of being attached to the housing 12.
　図５Ａに示す態様では、無線通信装置１Ａは、カバー１３の前面１３１の一部にセンサ９１を有している。ここでは一例として、センサ９１は、人の在否を検知する人感センサである。これにより、センサ９１の検知結果に応じて、無線通信部１１を制御すること等が可能である。例えば、センサ９１が人感センサであれば、無線通信装置１Ａの周囲に人が存在しない場合に、無線通信部１１をオフにする又は間欠動作等の省電力モードとすることで、無線通信部１１での電力消費量を抑えることができる。 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the wireless communication device 1A has a sensor 91 on a part of the front surface 131 of the cover 13. Here, as an example, the sensor 91 is a motion sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person. As a result, it is possible to control the wireless communication unit 11 according to the detection result of the sensor 91. For example, if the sensor 91 is a motion sensor, when there is no person around the wireless communication device 1A, the wireless communication unit 11 can be turned off or the power saving mode such as intermittent operation can be set to the wireless communication unit. The power consumption in 11 can be suppressed.
　つまり、無線通信装置１Ａは、センサ９１を備え、無線通信部１１は、センサ９１の出力に応じて動作する。ここで、センサ９１は、人感センサに限らず、例えば、明るさセンサ、振動センサ、近接センサ若しくは音センサ、又はこれらの組み合わせであってもよい。例えば、センサ９１が明るさセンサである場合には、無線通信装置１Ａは、センサ９１で検知された明るさ（照度）が閾値以下であれば、無線通信部１１をオフにする又は間欠動作等の省電力モードとする。 That is, the wireless communication device 1A includes the sensor 91, and the wireless communication unit 11 operates according to the output of the sensor 91. Here, the sensor 91 is not limited to the motion sensor, and may be, for example, a brightness sensor, a vibration sensor, a proximity sensor or a sound sensor, or a combination thereof. For example, when the sensor 91 is a brightness sensor, the wireless communication device 1A turns off the wireless communication unit 11 or intermittently operates if the brightness (illuminance) detected by the sensor 91 is equal to or less than the threshold value. Power saving mode.
　図５Ｂに示す態様では、無線通信装置１Ａは、カバー１３の前面１３１の一部にＵＳＢ（Universal Serial Bus）コンセント（Outlet）９２を有している。ここでは一例として、ＵＳＢコンセント９２は、１個口である。ＵＳＢコンセント９２は、機器のＵＳＢプラグを差込接続可能なＵＳＢのレセプタクルであって、ＵＳＢプラグを通じて機器に５Ｖの直流電圧を出力するように構成されている。つまり、無線通信装置１Ａは、ＵＳＢコンセントを備えている。 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the wireless communication device 1A has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) outlet (Outlet) 92 in a part of the front surface 131 of the cover 13. Here, as an example, the USB outlet 92 is one outlet. The USB outlet 92 is a USB receptacle to which a USB plug of a device can be plugged and connected, and is configured to output a DC voltage of 5 V to the device through the USB plug. That is, the wireless communication device 1A includes a USB outlet.
　特に、無線通信装置１Ａは、内部回路（回路ブロック１０）の動作用の電力を生成する電源回路を有している。そのため、この電源回路で生成された動作用の電力を、ＵＳＢコンセント９２の出力として利用することで、ＵＳＢコンセント９２用の電力変換回路を電源回路と別に設ける場合に比較して、回路規模を小さく抑えることが可能である。 In particular, the wireless communication device 1A has a power supply circuit that generates electric power for operating the internal circuit (circuit block 10). Therefore, by using the power for operation generated by this power supply circuit as the output of the USB outlet 92, the circuit scale is made smaller than the case where the power conversion circuit for the USB outlet 92 is provided separately from the power supply circuit. It is possible to suppress it.
　また、図６Ａ及び図６Ｂの例では、無線通信装置１Ａは、他の配線器具２０１と共に、配線器具システム２００を構成する。すなわち、本実施形態に係る配線器具システム２００は、無線通信装置１Ａと、配線器具２０１と、を備えている。配線器具２０１は、筐体１２と並べて施工面３００に固定される。 Further, in the examples of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the wireless communication device 1A constitutes the wiring equipment system 200 together with the other wiring equipment 201. That is, the wiring device system 200 according to the present embodiment includes the wireless communication device 1A and the wiring device 201. The wiring device 201 is fixed to the construction surface 300 side by side with the housing 12.
　図６Ａの態様では、配線器具システム２００に含まれる配線器具２０１は、１個モジュール寸法のスイッチ装置である。この態様では、無線通信装置１Ａの筐体１２は２個モジュール寸法に形成され、配線器具２０１（スイッチ装置）と鉛直方向（上下方向）に並べて、１つのスイッチプレート８の内側に設置される。 In the aspect of FIG. 6A, the wiring device 201 included in the wiring device system 200 is a switch device having a single module size. In this aspect, the housing 12 of the wireless communication device 1A is formed in two module dimensions, and is installed inside one switch plate 8 side by side in the vertical direction (vertical direction) with the wiring device 201 (switch device).
　図６Ｂの態様では、配線器具システム２００には、１個モジュール寸法のスイッチ装置からなる配線器具２０１が２個含まれている。この態様では、２個の配線器具２０１（スイッチ装置）は鉛直方向（上下方向）に並べて配置される。無線通信装置１Ａの筐体１２は実施形態１と同様の３個モジュール寸法に形成され、２個の配線器具２０１と左右方向に並べて、１つのスイッチプレート８の内側に設置される。 In the aspect of FIG. 6B, the wiring device system 200 includes two wiring devices 201 including a switch device having one module size. In this aspect, the two wiring appliances 201 (switch devices) are arranged side by side in the vertical direction (vertical direction). The housing 12 of the wireless communication device 1A is formed in the same three module dimensions as in the first embodiment, and is installed inside one switch plate 8 side by side with the two wiring devices 201 in the left-right direction.
　ただし、図５Ａ～図６Ｂに示すような構成において、無線通信装置１Ａがスイッチ装置としての機能を有していてもよい。これにより、例えば、図５Ａの構成においては、無線通信装置１Ａは、センサ９１付きのスイッチ装置として機能し、図５Ｂの構成においては、無線通信装置１Ａは、ＵＳＢコンセント９２付きのスイッチ装置として機能する。 However, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 5A to 6B, the wireless communication device 1A may have a function as a switch device. Thus, for example, in the configuration of FIG. 5A, the wireless communication device 1A functions as a switch device with a sensor 91, and in the configuration of FIG. 5B, the wireless communication device 1A functions as a switch device with a USB outlet 92. To do.
　また、配線器具システム２００に含まれる配線器具２０１は、スイッチ装置に限らず、例えば、コンセント（Outlet）、センサ装置又はタイマ装置等であってもよい。 Further, the wiring device 201 included in the wiring device system 200 is not limited to the switch device, and may be, for example, an outlet, a sensor device, a timer device, or the like.
　実施形態２で説明した構成（変形例を含む）は、実施形態１で説明した種々の構成（変形例を含む）と適宜組み合わせて採用可能である。例えば、実施形態１に係る無線通信装置１であっても、他の配線器具２０１と組み合わせて、配線器具システム２００を構成することが可能である。 The configuration (including the modified example) described in the second embodiment can be appropriately combined with various configurations (including the modified example) described in the first embodiment. For example, even in the wireless communication device 1 according to the first embodiment, the wiring device system 200 can be configured in combination with another wiring device 201.
　（実施形態３）
　本実施形態に係るネットワークシステム１００Ａは、図７に示すように、無線通信装置１以外の無線装置６をアクセスポイント１０１，１０２に含む点で、実施形態１に係るネットワークシステム１００と相違する。以下、実施形態１と同様の構成については、共通の符号を付して適宜説明を省略する。 (Embodiment 3)
As shown in FIG. 7, the network system 100A according to the present embodiment is different from the network system 100 according to the first embodiment in that the access points 101 and 102 include wireless devices 6 other than the wireless communication device 1. Hereinafter, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be designated by a common reference numeral and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
　本実施形態では、複数のアクセスポイント１０１，１０２は、メッシュネットワークとは別の外部ネットワーク３に接続される親機（アクセスポイント１０２）と、親機に接続される１台以上の子機（アクセスポイント１０１）と、を含む。親機（アクセスポイント１０２）は、無線通信装置１とは別の無線装置６である。 In the present embodiment, the plurality of access points 101 and 102 are a master unit (access point 102) connected to an external network 3 different from the mesh network, and one or more slave units (access) connected to the master unit. Points 101) and are included. The master unit (access point 102) is a wireless device 6 different from the wireless communication device 1.
　一例として、無線装置６は、ルータとしての機能を有する据置き型のアクセスポイントである。そして、親機としてのアクセスポイント１０２（無線装置６）に対して、１台以上の子機としてのアクセスポイント１０１（無線通信装置１）が直接的に接続される。本実施形態では、子機は複数台設けられているため、１台の親機に対して、複数台の子機が電線Ｌ１にて接続されることになる。これにより、無線通信装置１の有線通信部１４は、電線Ｌ１を通して別のアクセスポイント１０１，１０２と有線通信する。ここで、１台以上の子機（アクセスポイント１０１）のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードは、親機（アクセスポイント１０２）のＳＳＩＤ及びパスワードと共通である。 As an example, the wireless device 6 is a stationary access point having a function as a router. Then, one or more access points 101 (wireless communication device 1) as slave units are directly connected to the access point 102 (wireless device 6) as the master unit. In the present embodiment, since a plurality of slave units are provided, a plurality of slave units are connected to one master unit by the electric wire L1. As a result, the wired communication unit 14 of the wireless communication device 1 performs wired communication with the other access points 101 and 102 through the electric wire L1. Here, the SSID and password of one or more slave units (access point 101) are the same as the SSID and password of the master unit (access point 102).
　以上説明した本実施形態の構成によれば、メッシュネットワークとしてのネットワークシステム１００Ａを構築するにあたり、全てのアクセスポイント１０１，１０２を同一の無線通信装置１で揃える必要がない。つまり、無線通信装置１と無線装置６とを連携させることにより、メッシュネットワークとしてのネットワークシステム１００Ａを構築することが可能である。 According to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, in constructing the network system 100A as a mesh network, it is not necessary to arrange all the access points 101 and 102 with the same wireless communication device 1. That is, by linking the wireless communication device 1 and the wireless device 6, it is possible to construct a network system 100A as a mesh network.
　また、本実施形態では、無線通信装置１とは別の無線装置６は、親機（アクセスポイント１０２）として用いられているが、これに限らず、子機として用いられてもよい。さらに、ネットワークシステム１００Ａは、１台の無線装置６に限らず、複数台の無線装置６を含んでいてもよい。 Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless device 6 different from the wireless communication device 1 is used as the master unit (access point 102), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless device 6 may be used as a slave unit. Further, the network system 100A is not limited to one wireless device 6, and may include a plurality of wireless devices 6.
　実施形態３で説明した構成（変形例を含む）は、実施形態１又は実施形態２で説明した種々の構成（変形例を含む）と適宜組み合わせて採用可能である。 The configuration (including the modified example) described in the third embodiment can be appropriately combined with various configurations (including the modified example) described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.
　（まとめ）
　以上説明したように、第１の態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）は、無線通信部（１１）と、筐体（１２）と、を備える。無線通信部（１１）は、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）を含むメッシュネットワークにおいて、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）の１つとして機能する。複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）は、各々が通信端末（２）と無線通信を行う。筐体（１２）は、施工面（３００）に固定される。筐体（１２）は、無線通信部（１１）を収容する。 (Summary)
As described above, the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the first aspect includes a wireless communication unit (11) and a housing (12). The wireless communication unit (11) functions as one of the plurality of access points (101, 102) in the mesh network including the plurality of access points (101, 102). Each of the plurality of access points (101, 102) wirelessly communicates with the communication terminal (2). The housing (12) is fixed to the construction surface (300). The housing (12) accommodates the wireless communication unit (11).
　この態様によれば、据置き型のアクセスポイントを置くためのスペースを確保しなくても、スマートにアクセスポイントを設置できる。しかも、無線通信部（１１）は、メッシュネットワークに含まれる複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）の１つとして機能する。つまり、無線通信部（１１）は、単なるアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）ではなく、メッシュネットワークを構築するアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）として機能する。メッシュネットワークが構築されることで、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）のいずれかの通信可能範囲内に通信端末（２）があれば、通信端末（２）はメッシュネットワークに接続可能となる。しかも、あるアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）の近くから別のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）の近くに通信端末（２）が移動する場合でも、通信端末（２）の接続先は、２つのアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）間でシームレスに切り替わる。よって、通信中における通信端末（２）の移動の自由度が高くなる、という利点がある。 According to this aspect, the access point can be installed smartly without securing a space for placing the stationary access point. Moreover, the wireless communication unit (11) functions as one of a plurality of access points (101, 102) included in the mesh network. That is, the wireless communication unit (11) functions not as a mere access point (101, 102) but as an access point (101, 102) for constructing a mesh network. By constructing the mesh network, if the communication terminal (2) is within the communicable range of any of the plurality of access points (101, 102), the communication terminal (2) can be connected to the mesh network. Moreover, even when the communication terminal (2) moves from the vicinity of one access point (101, 102) to the vicinity of another access point (101, 102), the connection destination of the communication terminal (2) is two access points. It switches seamlessly between (101 and 102). Therefore, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal (2) during communication is increased.
　第２の態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）は、第１の態様において、有線通信部（１４）を更に備える。有線通信部（１４）は、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）のうち無線通信部（１１）とは別のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）との間で有線通信する。 The wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the second aspect further includes a wired communication unit (14) in the first aspect. The wired communication unit (14) performs wired communication with an access point (101, 102) other than the wireless communication unit (11) among the plurality of access points (101, 102).
　この態様によれば、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）間の通信が無線通信である場合に比べて、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）間において通信遅延が生じにくい。 According to this aspect, communication delay is less likely to occur between the plurality of access points (101, 102) as compared with the case where the communication between the plurality of access points (101, 102) is wireless communication.
　第３の態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）では、第２の態様において、有線通信部（１４）は、施工面（３００）の裏側に配置された電線（Ｌ１）を通して別のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）と有線通信する。 In the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the wired communication unit (14) is another access point through the electric wire (L1) arranged on the back side of the construction surface (300). Wired communication with (101, 102).
　この態様によれば、異なる部屋に設置された複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）同士であっても、電線（Ｌ１）にて有線接続可能である。 According to this aspect, even a plurality of access points (101, 102) installed in different rooms can be connected by wire with an electric wire (L1).
　第４の態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）は、第１～３のいずれかの態様において、施工面（３００）に形成されている施工孔（３０１）に、筐体（１２）の少なくとも一部が埋め込まれた状態で、筐体（１２）が施工面（３００）に固定される。 The wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the fourth aspect has the housing (12) in the construction hole (301) formed in the construction surface (300) in any one of the first to third aspects. The housing (12) is fixed to the construction surface (300) with at least a part embedded.
　この態様によれば、施工面（３００）からの筐体（１２）の突出量を抑えることができ、筐体（１２）が邪魔になりにくい。 According to this aspect, the amount of protrusion of the housing (12) from the construction surface (300) can be suppressed, and the housing (12) is less likely to get in the way.
　第５の態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）では、第１～４のいずれかの態様において、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）は、メッシュネットワークとは別の外部ネットワーク（３）に接続される親機と、親機に接続される１台以上の子機と、を含む。子機は、親機の識別子と同一の識別子を使用する。 In the wireless communication device (1, 1A) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the plurality of access points (101, 102) are connected to an external network (3) different from the mesh network. Includes a master unit to be connected and one or more slave units connected to the master unit. The slave unit uses the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit.
　この態様によれば、子機が親機の識別子と同一の識別子を使用することで、メッシュネットワークを構築できる。 According to this aspect, a mesh network can be constructed by using the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit in the slave unit.
　第６の態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）は、第５の態様において、無線通信部（１１）について親機と子機との切り替えを行う切替部（１７）を更に備える。 The wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the sixth aspect further includes a switching unit (17) for switching between the master unit and the slave unit for the wireless communication unit (11) in the fifth aspect.
　この態様によれば、同一の無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）を、親機と子機とのいずれとしても用いることができる。 According to this aspect, the same wireless communication device (1,1A) can be used as both a master unit and a slave unit.
　第７の態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）は、第５又は６の態様において、無線通信部（１１）が子機として機能する場合に、親機の識別子を表示する表示部（７２）を更に備える。 In the fifth or sixth aspect, the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to the seventh aspect is a display unit (72) that displays an identifier of the master unit when the wireless communication unit (11) functions as a slave unit. ) Is further provided.
　この態様によれば、子機に親機の識別子と同一の識別子が使用された状態で、ユーザは、表示部（７２）にて親機の識別子を確認することができる。 According to this aspect, the user can confirm the identifier of the master unit on the display unit (72) in a state where the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit is used for the slave unit.
　第８の態様に係るネットワークシステム（１００，１００Ａ）は、第１～７のいずれかの態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）を含む複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）を備える。ネットワークシステム（１００，１００Ａ）は、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）にて、メッシュネットワークを構築する。 The network system (100,100A) according to the eighth aspect includes a plurality of access points (101,102) including the wireless communication device (1,1A) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. The network system (100, 100A) constructs a mesh network with a plurality of access points (101, 102).
　この態様によれば、通信中における通信端末（２）の移動の自由度が高くなる、という利点がある。 According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal (2) during communication is increased.
　第９の態様に係るネットワークシステム（１００，１００Ａ）では、第８の態様において、複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）は、メッシュネットワークとは別の外部ネットワーク（３）に接続される親機と、親機に接続される１台以上の子機と、を含む。親機は、無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）とは別の無線装置（６）である。 In the network system (100, 100A) according to the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the plurality of access points (101, 102) are connected to a master unit connected to an external network (3) different from the mesh network. , Including one or more slave units connected to the master unit. The master unit is a wireless device (6) different from the wireless communication device (1,1A).
　この態様によれば、無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）と、無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）とは別の無線装置（６）とで連携して、メッシュネットワークを構築できる。 According to this aspect, a mesh network can be constructed in cooperation with a wireless communication device (1,1A) and a wireless device (6) different from the wireless communication device (1,1A).
　第１０の態様に係るネットワークの提供方法は、第１～７のいずれかの態様に係る無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）を含む複数のアクセスポイント（１０１，１０２）にて構築されるメッシュネットワークを提供する。 The method for providing the network according to the tenth aspect is to provide a mesh network constructed by a plurality of access points (101, 102) including the wireless communication device (1, 1A) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. provide.
　この態様によれば、通信中における通信端末（２）の移動の自由度が高くなる、という利点がある。 According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom of movement of the communication terminal (2) during communication is increased.
　第２～７の態様に係る構成については、無線通信装置（１，１Ａ）に必須の構成ではなく、適宜省略可能である。 The configurations according to the second to seventh aspects are not essential configurations for the wireless communication device (1,1A) and can be omitted as appropriate.
　１，１Ａ　無線通信装置
　２　通信端末
　３　外部ネットワーク
　６　無線装置
　１１　無線通信部
　１２　筐体
　１４　有線通信部
　１７　切替部
　７２　表示部
　１００，１００Ａ　ネットワークシステム
　１０１，１０２　アクセスポイント
　３００　施工面
　３０１　施工孔
　Ｌ１　電線 1,1A wireless communication device 2 communication terminal 3 external network 6 wireless device 11 wireless communication unit 12 housing 14 wired communication unit 17 switching unit 72 display unit 100,100A network system 101,102 access point 300 construction surface 301 construction hole L1 electric wire

Claims (10)

  1. 　各々が通信端末と無線通信を行う複数のアクセスポイントを含むメッシュネットワークにおいて、前記複数のアクセスポイントの１つとして機能する無線通信部と、
    　施工面に固定され、前記無線通信部を収容する筐体と、を備える、
    　無線通信装置。     In a mesh network including a plurality of access points, each of which wirelessly communicates with a communication terminal, a wireless communication unit that functions as one of the plurality of access points, and a wireless communication unit.
    It is provided with a housing fixed to the construction surface and accommodating the wireless communication unit.
    Wireless communication device.
  2. 　前記複数のアクセスポイントのうち前記無線通信部とは別のアクセスポイントとの間で有線通信する有線通信部を更に備える、
    　請求項１に記載の無線通信装置。     A wired communication unit that performs wired communication with an access point other than the wireless communication unit among the plurality of access points is further provided.
    The wireless communication device according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記有線通信部は、前記施工面の裏側に配置された電線を通して前記別のアクセスポイントと有線通信する、
    　請求項２に記載の無線通信装置。     The wired communication unit communicates with the other access point by wire through an electric wire arranged on the back side of the construction surface.
    The wireless communication device according to claim 2.
  4. 　前記施工面に形成されている施工孔に、前記筐体の少なくとも一部が埋め込まれた状態で、前記筐体が前記施工面に固定される、
    　請求項１～３のいずれか１項に記載の無線通信装置。     The housing is fixed to the construction surface with at least a part of the housing embedded in the construction holes formed on the construction surface.
    The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
  5. 　前記複数のアクセスポイントは、前記メッシュネットワークとは別の外部ネットワークに接続される親機と、前記親機に接続される１台以上の子機と、を含み、
    　前記子機は、前記親機の識別子と同一の識別子を使用する、
    　請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の無線通信装置。     The plurality of access points include a master unit connected to an external network other than the mesh network, and one or more slave units connected to the master unit.
    The slave unit uses the same identifier as the identifier of the master unit.
    The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
  6. 　前記無線通信部について前記親機と前記子機との切り替えを行う切替部を更に備える、
    　請求項５に記載の無線通信装置。     The wireless communication unit is further provided with a switching unit for switching between the master unit and the slave unit.
    The wireless communication device according to claim 5.
  7. 　前記無線通信部が前記子機として機能する場合に、前記親機の識別子を表示する表示部を更に備える、
    　請求項５又は６に記載の無線通信装置。     When the wireless communication unit functions as the slave unit, it further includes a display unit that displays an identifier of the master unit.
    The wireless communication device according to claim 5 or 6.
  8. 　請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の無線通信装置を含む前記複数のアクセスポイントを備え、
    　前記複数のアクセスポイントにて、前記メッシュネットワークを構築する、
    　ネットワークシステム。     The plurality of access points including the wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are provided.
    The mesh network is constructed by the plurality of access points.
    Network system.
  9. 　前記複数のアクセスポイントは、前記メッシュネットワークとは別の外部ネットワークに接続される親機と、前記親機に接続される１台以上の子機と、を含み、
    　前記親機は、前記無線通信装置とは別の無線装置である、
    　請求項８に記載のネットワークシステム。     The plurality of access points include a master unit connected to an external network other than the mesh network, and one or more slave units connected to the master unit.
    The master unit is a wireless device different from the wireless communication device.
    The network system according to claim 8.
  10. 　請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の無線通信装置を含む前記複数のアクセスポイントにて構築される前記メッシュネットワークを提供する、
    　ネットワークの提供方法。     The mesh network constructed by the plurality of access points including the wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided.
    How to provide the network.
PCT/JP2020/028312 2019-09-24 2020-07-21 Wireless communication device, network system and network provision method WO2021059711A1 (en)

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