DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Load control switch and load control switch system
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a load control switch and a
load control switch system, which can easily be replaced even if
personnel does not have a qualification of registered electrician.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
As for a load control switch, which is to be installed on a wall
surface of a building and controls turning on and off of a load such as
a ventilation fan or a lighting installation, one having an indication
function, a delay function, a light control function, a radio signal
reception function, a sensor function, or the like, other than one
which simply controls on/off, is known. For example, it is not
improbable that a simple on/off switch is desired to be replaced with a
switch having a light control function following to replacement of the
lighting installation, or a switch for a lighting installation in an
entrance is desired to be replaced with one having a motion sensor (a
human body detection sensor). In the conventional system, the load
control switch must be replaced wholly and it needs wiring works, so
that a user cannot replace the switch by oneself, and it must be relied
on a person having a qualification of registered electrician.

[0003]
On the other hand, as it is called DIY (Do It Yourself) recently,
it is a fashion that a user purchases components in DIY stores (Home
Center) and performs replacement of the components by oneself. In
current system, as described in a catalogue of electric installations
and materials of Panasonic Electric Works, 2010 2012, Page 19, for
example, the user can select colors and designs of operation handles
in DIY stores, at the best, botheration that the main body of the load
control switch cannot be replaced freely remains.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0004]
The present invention is conceived to solve the above
mentioned problems of the prior art and aimed to provide a load
control switch and a load control switch system which enable a user
to replace a load control switch to one having different function freely
accompanying no wiring works.
[0005]
A load control switch in accordance with an aspect of the
present invention is characterized by comprising a terminal module
which is installed on an installation frame established on a wall
surface of a building and to which electric wires are connected, a
switching function module which is detachably attached to the
terminal module and has at least a switching function to control
turning on and off of a load, and an operation handle which is
detachably attached to the switching function module.

[0006]
According to such a constitution, since the load control switch
is separated into at least the terminal module to which the electric
wires are connected and the switching function module which is
detachably attached on the terminal module, it is sufficient to install
only the terminal module on the wall surface of the building or the
like, beforehand. Then, a user can make a selection only the
switching function module or combination of the switching function
module and the operation handle freely and install or replace it or
them by oneself without performing the wiring works.
[0007]
A load control switch system in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention characterized by that the system is constituted
by a terminal module which is mounted on a installation frame
established on a wall surface of a building and to which electric wires
are connected, plural switching function modules each of which is
detachably attached on the terminal module and has at least a
switching function to control turning on and off of a load, and plural
operation handles each of which is detachably attached to the
switching function module, and wherein a load control switch is
constituted by mounting a switching function module selected among
the plural switching function modules and an operation handle
selected among the plural operation handles on the terminal module.
[0008]
According to such a constitution, when the terminal module is

installed beforehand, a user can replace the load control switch by
oneself by purchasing a switching function module and an operation
handle which meet the purpose in DIY store, or the like. Thereby,
the wiring works for replacing the load control switch becomes
needless.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009]
[FIG. 1]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load control switch included
in a load control switch system in accordance with a first embodiment
of the present invention.
[FIG. 2]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a load control switch in a first
modified example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 3]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a load control switch in a
second modified example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 4]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a load control switch in a third
modified example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 5]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a load control switch in a fourth
modified example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 6]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a load control switch in a fifth

modified example of the above embodiment.
[FIG 7]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a load control switch in a sixth
modified example of the above embodiment.
[FIG 8]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a load control switch in a
seventh modified example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 9]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with an eighth modified example
of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 10]
FIG 10 is a sequence chart when a reply signal is sent from a
load control switch to a wireless remote control device in the load
control switch system.
[FIG. 11]
FIG. 11 is a sequence chart when no reply signal is sent from a
load control switch to a wireless remote control device in the load
control switch system.
[FIG. 12]
FIG. 12 is an explanation view when a control signal is relayed
out with using another wireless remote control device in the load
control switch system.
[FIG 13]
FIG. 13 is a sequence chart when switching condition signals

are transmitted at a regular interval from a switching control module
to a wireless remote control device in the load control switch system
regularly.
[FIG. 14]
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with a ninth modified example of
the above embodiment.
[FIG. 15]
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with a tenth modified example of
the above embodiment.
[FIG. 16]
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with an eleventh modified
example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 17]
FIG. 17 is an explanation view when a reply signal is
transmitted to another wireless remote control device in the load
control switch system.
[FIG. 18]
FIG. 18 is an explanation view when a reply signal is
transmitted from an operation handle to a wireless remote control
device in the load control switch system.
[FIG. 19]
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load

control switch system in accordance with a twelfth modified example
of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 20]
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with a thirteenth modified
example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 21]
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with a fourteenth modified
example of the above embodiment.
[FIG. 22]
FIG. 22 is an explanation view when a battery of a wireless
remote control device is run out in the load control switch system.
[FIG. 23]
FIG. 22 is an explanation view when a battery of an operation
handle is run out in the load control switch system.
[FIG. 24]
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with a second embodiment of
this invention.
[FIG. 25]
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with a first modified example of
the above embodiment.
[FIG. 26]

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch in a second modified example of the above
embodiment.
[FIG. 27]
FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch system in accordance with a third modified example of
the above embodiment.
[FIG. 28]
FIG. 28 (a) is a perspective view showing a constitution
example of a delay function selecting switch which is provided on a
load control switch in the above load control switch system, and FIG.
28 (b) is a perspective view showing a state that a second projection
of a displacement member contacts a contact surface of the delay
function selecting switch.
[FIG. 29]
FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing another constitution
example of the above delay function selecting switch.
[FIG. 30]
FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a constitution of a load
control switch in a fourth modified example of the above
embodiment.
[FIG. 31]
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an application of a load
control switch in the above third modified example.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010]
(First Embodiment)
A load control switch system in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention is described. FIG. 1 is a
drawing showing a basic constitution of a load control switch 1
included in the load control switch system of this embodiment. The
load control switch 1 is constituted by a terminal module 2 to which
electric wires 5 are connected, a switching function module 3 which
has a switching function to control turning on and off of a load
through the electric wires 5, and an operation handle 4. The
terminal module 2 is installed on an installation frame which is
established on a wall surface of a building. The switching function
module 3 is detachably attached to the terminal module 2. The
operation handle 4 is detachably attached to the switching function
module 3. The electric wires 5 consist of VVF (Vinyl insulated
Vinyl sheathed Flat-type cable: 600V vinyl insulation vinyl sheath
cable flat-type) or the like.
[0011]
The terminal module 2 comprises inlets 21 into which core
wires 51 of the electric wires 5 that insulation coatings are peeled off
are inserted and outlets 22 into which sockets 31 of the switching
function module 3 are inserted. The inlets 21 each are similar to
those of the conventional load control switch which are automatically
locked when the core wires 51 of the electric wires 5 are inserted.
The constitution of the outlets 22 each is not limited in particular, and

it may be electric contact simply or be a structure like a wall socket.
In the latter case, a sliding shutter may be established in the outlet 22
to prevent an electric shock. In addition, as for the terminal module
2, a structure for two wire system is exemplified in FIG. 1, it may be
for three wire system. Since the terminal module 2 is installed by a
person having specialist knowledge such as a registered electrician,
according to the constitution of this embodiment, when the terminal
module 2 is installed once, it is not replaced, usually. In addition,
the terminal module 2 is smaller than that of the conventional load
control switch, due to the switching function module 3 is decomposed
therefrom. Therefore, an adapter 6 is used when it is installed on a
conventional installation frame.
[0012]
As for the switching function module 3, an electronic switch,
which uses a semiconductor switch element as a main switch element,
is exemplified, for example. A push-on / push-off switch 33, which
is operated by the operation handle 4, is provided on a mounting
surface 32 of switching function module 3 to which the operation
handle 4 is attached to. In addition, a bracing shaft 34, which is fit
to a bearing 42 provided on a rear face 41 of the operation handle 4,
is provided on the mounting surface 32 of the switching function
module 3. A projection 43, which contacts the push-on / push-off
switch 33 in a state that the bearing 42 is fit to the bracing shaft 34,
that is, the operation handle 4 is attached to the switching function
module 3, is provided on the rear face 41 of the operation handle 4.

The operation handle 4 is formed asymmetry with respect to the
bracing shaft 34 (or the bearing 42), and it is held in one-sided by a
spring of the push-on / push-off switch 33, generally.
[0013]
As generally known from the above catalogues or the like, size
of the operation handle 4 is decided by a number of the load control
switches installed on a single installation frame. For example, when
only one load control switch is mounted on an installation frame, an
operation handle called "single" having substantially the same size as
that of a rectangular opening formed on a decorative plate is used.
Alternatively, when two load control switches are mounted on an
installation frame, operation handles called "double" each having a
1/2 size of a dimension in height direction of the rectangular opening
formed on the decorative plate are used (dimensions in widthwise
direction are the same). Furthermore, when three load control
switches are mounted on an installation frame, operation handles
called "triple" each having a 1/3 size of a dimension in height
direction of the rectangular opening formed on the decorative plate
are used. As well as the conventional case, it is needless to say that
they can be selected among plural colors and designs.
[0014]
A circuit board 35 is provided in an inside of the switching
function module 3, and a control circuit 36 which constituted by a
semiconductor switch element such as a triac is mounted on the
circuit board 35. When the operation handle 4 is operated by a user;

the push-on / push-off switch 33 is switched on or off, and thereby,
the electric load is turned on or off. When the switching function
module 3 is an electronic switch, various functions can be realized by
combining various kinds of sensors such as a motion sensor and an
illumination sensor and electronic circuits such as a delay circuit, a
timer circuit, a radio communication circuit and so on.
[0015]
In this embodiment, even when the terminal module 2 is
installed beforehand, a user can replace the load control switch by
oneself by purchasing a switching function module meeting the
purpose and an applicable operation handle in the DIY store or the
like. For example, it is assumed that the most popular priced
mechanical switch was attached as the switching function module 3
when entering into a new residence, if the user wishes to use a light
control function of a lighting installation, he/she may purchase a
switching function module with light control function and an
applicable operation handle and replace them by oneself. Thereby, it
will be no need to ask an electric engineering firm, for example, for
the wiring works, and thus, it is possible to improve or to change the
function of the load control switch with low cost at any optional time.
Besides, the load control switch system in accordance with the
present invention is constituted by a terminal module 2 in a two wire
system or in a three wire system for example, plural kinds of
switching function modules 3 exemplified in the above embodiment
and plural kinds of operation handles 4 applicable, and so on.

[0016]
Modified examples of the load control switch system in
accordance with this embodiment are described below. Equivalent
constitutions and effects among the above embodiment and modified
examples or among the modified examples are omitted.
(First Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
In a load control switch 1 of the first modified example shown
in FIG. 2, a circuit board 44 is provided in an inside of the operation
handle 4, and an external electronic circuit 45 and a sliding volume
46 which is operated by a user are mounted on the circuit board 44.
Furthermore, plural (for example, it is exemplified in two) first
contacts 37 are provided on a mounting surface of a switching
function module 3 applicable to the operation handle 4, and plural
(generally, same number) second contacts 47 are provided on a rear
face 41 of the operation handle 4. Thereby, a control circuit 36 of an
electronic switch and the external electronic circuit 45 are connected
through the first contacts 37 and the second contacts 47.
[0017]
For example, when a lighting installation such as an
incandescent lamp or LEDs is connected as a load, it is effective to
provide a light control function to the load control switch. In such a
case, the volume 46 is used as a light control volume serving a part of
a light control circuit, and a main part of the light control function,
may be provided in the control circuit 36 side of the electronic switch.
In addition, when a ventilation fan for a bathroom is connected as a

load, it is effective to provide a timer function into the load control
switch. In such a case, the volume 46 is used as a time setting
volume of a timer circuit, and a main part of a timer function may be
provided in either the control circuit 36 side of the electronic switch
or the external electronic circuit 45 side of the operation handle 4.
Furthermore, when a ventilation fan for a restroom is connected as a
load, it is effective to provide a delay function into the load control
switch. When using the delay function regularly, a delay circuit may
be provided in the control circuit 36 side of the electronic switch, and
the load mat be turned off after passing a predetermined time period
when a push-on / push-off switch 33 is switched off due to the
operation of the operation handle 4. An indication apparatus 48 such
as an LED for showing that delay motion is running may be provided
on the circuit board 44 of the operation handle 4. Furthermore, a
function selection switch 49 may be provided on the circuit board 44,
because there can be the case that the timer function or the delay
function is not used.
[0018]
(Second Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
In a load control switch 1 of a second modified example shown
in FIG. 3, a motion sensor 61 and an illumination sensor 62 are further
established in an inside of an operation handle 4. A function
selection switch 49 serves as a switch for selecting whether an
automatic control of turning on and off of a load by the motion sensor
61 is used or not, and a volume 46 is used as a time setting volume

for keeping the turning on state of the load. When the motion sensor
61 detects existence of a human body in a predetermined area and it is
detected equal to or less than a predetermined brightness by the
illumination sensor, a lighting installation as the load is turned on in a
predetermined time period.
[0019]
(Third Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
In a load control switch 1 of a third modified example shown
in FIG. 4, a plug outlet 38 is provided on the switching function
module 3, and it is constituted that the plug outlet 38 becomes
available when the operation handle 4 is detached or rotated more
than 90 degrees in a predetermined direction. Although it is limited
to a case that the terminal module 2 is in the three wire system, an
electric power supply can be secured from the load control switch 1 in
case of emergency.
[0020]
(Fourth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 of a fourth modified example shown in
FIG. 5, is constituted that antennas 63 and 64 are further mounted on
the circuit board 44 and the external electronic circuit 45 is consisted
by a radio signal reception circuit 45a, in the above first modified
example. Driving electric power of the radio signal reception circuit
45a is supplied from the electronic switch (the switching function
module 3) through the first contacts 37 and the second contacts 47.
In FIG. 5, a mode that three first contacts 37 are provided is

exemplified and a number of the second contacts 47 is the same as
that of the first contacts 37.
[0021]
It is constituted that the antennas 63 and 64 are arranged so
that substantially the same elements are arranged to be approximately
perpendicular to each other and only one of them is selected to be
used. As is generally known, since electric waves transmitted from a
wireless remote control device (not illustrated) include transverse
electric component and transverse magnetic component, one of the
antennas 63 and 64 which has a splendid signal reception condition
can be selected corresponding to surrounding radio wave environment.
Selection of the antenna 63 or 64 may be changed by switching of a
user, or it may be an automatic change by the radio signal reception
circuit 45a.
[0022]
For example, when a lighting installation such as an
incandescent lamp or LEDs is connected as a load, it is effective to
provide a light control function into the load control switch. In such
a case, it may be constituted that a light control circuit is further
provided in a control circuit 36 of the electronic switch, and a light
control signal is received by a radio signal reception circuit 45a, and
the light control circuit performs light control of the lighting
installation as the load corresponding to the light control signal.
[0023]
In this modified example, it is assumed that the most popular

priced mechanical switch was attached as the switching function
module 3 when entering into a new residence. In such a case, when
a user wishes to control turning on and off of the lighting installation
from a wireless remote control device, he/she may purchase a
switching function module 3 with an electronic switch, an operation
handle 4 with a radio signal receiving function and a wireless remote
control device, and replace them by oneself. Thereby, it will be no
need to ask an electric engineering firm, for example, for the wiring
works, and thus, it is possible to improve or to change the function of
the load control switch with low cost at any optional time.
[0024]
(Fifth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 of a fifth modified example shown in
FIG. 6 is constituted that a driving electric power is supplied from a
primary battery 65 built in the operation handle 4 to the radio signal
reception circuit 45a, in the above fourth modified example. In
addition, the first contacts 37 and the second contacts 47 are
respectively provided at least two each. For example, in the case of
a two wire system, a load control switch 1 is connected in series for a
commercial electric power supply and a load. Then, a driving
electric power of a control circuit 36 of a switching function module 3
of the load control switch 1 is supplied from the commercial electric
power supply. In other words, even in a state that the load is turned
off, a standby power requirement is consumed for standing ready a
CPU of the control circuit 36 or the like, and a minute electric current

flows in the load due to it. Similarly, a radio signal reception circuit
45a waits to be able to receive a control signal from a wireless remote
control device, even when the load is turned off state. Hereupon, if
the driving electric power of the radio signal reception circuit 45a is
supplied from the witching function module 3 similar to the fourth
modified example shown in FIG. 5, an electric current flowing into
the load increases in the state that the load is switched off. It does
not the matter if the load is the incandescence light, but when the load
such as the LEDs of low electric power consumption and having
characteristics that value of electric current reduces corresponding to
the increase of voltage of the commercial electric power supply, there
is a possibility that the LEDs may be lit by the electric current due to
the standby power requirement of the control circuit 36. Therefore,
it is possible to prevent false lighting of the LEDs by supplying the
driving electric power of the radio signal reception circuit 45a from a
built-in primary battery 65, like the fifth modified example shown in
FIG. 6. Besides, if using a lithium ion battery as for the primary
battery 65, battery life of 3-5 years is secured (it depends on use
frequency), so that there is no problem in practical use. In addition,
it may be constituted that a warning is outputted to urge the battery
exchange when there is little battery life.
[0025]
(Sixth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 of a sixth modified example shown in
FIG. 7 comprises an electric generation element 66 such as a solar cell

and a secondary battery 67 into which electric power generated by the
electric generation elements 66 is charged in an operation handle 4, in
the above fourth modified example. It is constituted that driving
electric power is supplied from the electric generation element 66 or
the secondary battery 67 to a radio signal reception circuit 45a. As
for the electric generation element 66, a piezoelectric elements can be
used other than the solar cell. For example, the operation handle 4 is
pressed in a constant direction by a spring of a push-on / push-off
switch 33. Therefore, it is possible to generate an electric power of
about the driving electric power of the radio signal reception circuit
45a if a piezoelectric element is provided on a rear face 41 of the
operation handle 4 and a pressure is added to the piezoelectric
element regularly. In addition, since the operation handle 4
comprises the electric generation element 66, the operation handle 44
needs no terminals for receiving electric power, and needs no electric
power supply from the switching function module 3, so that circuit
constitution can be simplified. Furthermore, a user becomes
freedom from maintenance such as battery exchange of the operation
handle by using the electric generation element 66.
[0026]
(Seventh Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 of a seventh modified example shown
in FIG. 8 is constituted that an operation handle 4 is approximately
square in a front view, and attachable in two directions perpendicular
to each other with respect to a mounting surface 32 of a switching

function module 3, in the above fourth modified example. Since
only one antenna 63 is mounted on a circuit board 44, it is possible to
set the signal receiving direction of the antenna 63 in the most
suitable direction by changing the attaching direction of the operation
handle 4 for the switching function module 3. Two sets of bearing
42A and 42B and second contacts 47A and 27B respectively arranged
that directions of them are to be perpendicular to each other are
provided on a rear face of the operation handle 4. In such a case,
first contacts 37A of the switching function module 3 are formed as
spring pieces. By shaping the operation handle 4 as a square,
although a number of the load control switches which can be mounted
on an installation frame is limited to one or two, it enables to reduce a
number of antennas to be one and to simplify a constitution of a radio
signal reception circuit 45a and to reduce the cost.
[0027]
(Eighth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch system "A" in accordance with an eighth
modified example shown in FIG. 9 comprises a wireless remote
control device 7 as well as a load control switch 1. As for the load
control switch 1 of the eighth modified example, the radio signal
reception circuit 45a (see FIG. 5) in the load control switch of the
above fourth modified example is replaced with a radio signal
transmission and reception circuit 45b, and a control circuit 68 is
further mounted on a circuit board 44. A control circuit 36 of an
electronic switch and the radio signal transmission and reception

circuit 45b and the control circuit 68 are connected through first
contacts 37 and second contacts 47. Driving electric power of the
radio signal transmission and reception circuit 45b is supplied from
the electronic switch (the switching function module 3 side) through
the first contacts 37 and the second contacts 47. According to such a -
constitution, since the operation handle 4 is driven by the electric
power supplied from the electronic switch module, it needs no
maintenance such as battery exchange of the operation handle 4.
[0028]
The wireless remote control device 7 is used to perform the
remote control of switching or light intensity of the load control
switch 1 by performing radio communication between the radio signal
transmission and reception circuit 45b of the operation handle 4 and it.
The wireless remote control device 7 may be a light-weighted form
enabling to be carried on or may be a fixed form on a wall so as not to
be carried on.
[0029]
The wireless remote control device 7 comprises an operation
button unit 71, a control unit (a control signal output unit) 72, a signal
transmission and reception unit 73 and an indication unit (a load
control state informing unit) 74. The operation button unit 71
consists of plural button units which receive input operations of the
load control switch 1 which a user demands, and includes an on/off
button of the load control switch 1 and a brightness adjustment button,
for example. The control unit 72 comprises a CPU, and generates a

control signal which is to be transmitted to the load control switch 1
depending on the operation button unit 71, and outputs it to the signal
transmission and reception unit 73. In addition, the control unit 72
performs indication control of the indication unit 74 corresponding to
the signal transmitted to and signal received from the load control
switch 1. The signal transmission and reception unit 73 receives a
command from the control unit 72 and performs transmitting and
receiving a control signal between the load control switch 1 and it.
The indication unit 74 is a liquid crystal display unit or an LED (light
emitting diode) to inform communication state with the load control
switch 1 to the user, or a buzzer for generating warning sound, or the
like. For example, when no reply signal returns from the load
control switch 1 after transmitting the control signal from the wireless
remote control device 7 to the load control switch 1, a warning
indication such as "communication with lighting installation is
impossible" is displayed on the indication unit 74 of the wireless
remote control device 7.
[0030]
Subsequently, it will be described relating to a motion of the
load control switch system "A" in accordance with this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, when an instruction input such as lighting or
extinction of the lighting installation is performed through the
operation button unit 71 of the wireless remote control device 7, first
(S21), the control unit 72 generates a control signal corresponding to
a kind of the operation button unit 71 and outputs it to the signal

transmission and reception unit 73 (S22). Then, the signal
transmission and reception unit 73 transmits the control signal to the
radio signal transmission and reception circuit 45b of the operation
handle 4 (S23).
[0031]
Subsequently, the control circuit 68 of the operation handle 4
acquires the control signal through the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit 45b which received the control signal (S24). In
addition, the control circuit 6 (SIC: 68) performs a command signal
corresponding to the control signal acquired to the control circuit 36
of the switching function module 3 (S25), and performs a reply
command of a reply signal which shows confirmation of reception of
the control signal (S26). Then, the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit 45b transmits the reply signal to the wireless remote
control device 7 (S27), and the signal transmission and reception unit
73 of the wireless remote control device 7 receives the reply signal
(S28). Subsequently, the control unit 72 which received the reply
signal indicates a fact that the command input performed with the
operation button unit has been completed on the indication unit 74
(S29).
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 72 of the wireless remote
control device 7 retransmits the control signal (S32), when no reply
signal from the load control switch 1 had been received within a
predetermined time period (S31) after transmitting the control signal

to the load control switch 1 (S23). Thereby, communication
reliability between the wireless remote control device 7 and the load
control switch 1 can be increased much more.
[0033]
In addition, the control unit 72 of the wireless remote control
device 7 indicates "communication with lighting installation is
impossible" on the indication unit 74 (S35), when no reply signal had
been received (S33, S34) after retransmitting the control signal (S32).
As for this, there is a case that no reply signal had been received from
all the load control switches 1, even when a user performs input
operation to extinction of all the plural lighting installations with
using the operation button unit 71 of the wireless remote control
device 7. In such a case, the user can know surely that all the
lighting installations are not extinguished by indicating the fact that
the lighting installations corresponding to a part of the load control
switches 1 are not extinguished on the indication unit 74.
[0034]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the wireless remote control
device 7 may retransmit the control signal to a desired load control
switch 1 in the retransmission of the control signal described in the
above S32 with using another load control switch 1 or another
wireless remote control device 7 existing in the load control switch
system "A" as a transponder. As for this, when the first transmission
of the control signal was impossible, it is highly possible that
retransmission of the control signal will be impossible with using the

same wireless remote control device 7. Communication reliability
between the wireless remote control devices 7 and the load control
switch 1 is increased by commissioning the relay of the second
transmission of the control signal to another load control switch 1 or
another wireless remote control device 7 in the load control switch
system "A". In addition, in this case, a command showing
commission of relay and information of forwarding address of the
load control switch 1 and so on are included in a header portion of the
control signal. In addition, besides FIG. 12, there is a method that
the wireless remote control device 7 broadcasts the relay of the
control signal to other load control switches 1 and other wireless
remote control devices 7 in the load control switch system "A"
extends.
[0035]
In addition, for enabling the user to confirm the turning on/off
state of the lighting installation at the present moment surely, the
control circuit 36 of the switching function module 3 generates a load
control state signal at a regular interval (for example, several
seconds) and transmits it to the control circuit 68 of the operation
handle 4 (S51), as shown in FIG. 13. Then, the control circuit 68 of
the operation handle 4 transmits the load control state signal to the
wireless remote control device 7 through the radio signal transmission
and reception circuit 45b (S52, 53). The control unit 72 of the
wireless remote control device 7 indicates the turning on/off state of
the lighting installation in the indication unit 74 based on the load

control state signal which is received (S54, 55). Thereby, the user
can confirm the turning on/off state of the lighting installation at the
present moment in the indication unit 74 of the wireless remote
control device 7, even when plural wireless remote control devices 7
exist or plural load control switches 1 are connected to one lighting
installation using three-way switches or four-way switches.
[0036]
In this modified example, in order to replace the load control
switch 1, it will be no need to ask an electric engineering firm, for
example, for the wiring works, and thus, it is possible to improve or
to change the function of the load control switch with low cost at any
optional time, similar to the above fourth modified example.
[0037]
In addition, when a load control switch 1 is operated from the
wireless remote control device 7, the communication state is indicated
in the indication unit 74 by receiving a reply signal replied from the
load control switch 1. Therefore, communication reliability between
the wireless remote control device 7 and the load control switch 1 is
improved and the user can confirm turning on/off of the lighting
installation through the indication unit 74.
[0038]
(Ninth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 of a ninth modified example shown in
FIG. 14 is constituted that driving electric power is supplied to a radio
signal transmission and reception circuit 45b and a control circuit 68

from a primary battery 65 built in an operation handle 4, in the above
eighth modified example. In addition, first contacts 37 and second
contacts 47 are to be at least two each. The radio signal
transmission and reception circuit 45b or the control circuit 68 always
waits to receive a control signal from a wireless remote control device
7, even when a load is in a turned off state. A constitution to supply
the electric power to the radio signal transmission and reception
circuit 45b and the control circuit 68 in this modified example is
similar to the constitution to supply the electric power to the radio
signal transmission and reception circuit 45a and the control circuit
68 in the above fifth modified example. In addition, connection
constitution of the load control switch 1 to the commercial power
supply and the load and electric power feeding constitution to the
control circuit 36 are equivalent to those in the above fifth modified
example. Therefore, the load control switch 1 of this modified
example has substantially the same as that of the above fifth modified
example.
[0039]
In addition, the wireless remote control device 7 comprises a
built-in primary battery 75 and using the primary battery 75 as an
electric power supply to drive each processing section such as the
control unit 72, so that the wireless remote control device 7 can be
light-weighted and enables to improve convenience of the user.
Besides, in the wireless remote control device 7 of a type fixed on a
wall, it may have an electric power reception circuit to receive the

electric power from the commercial electric power supply.
[0040]
(Tenth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 of a tenth modified example shown in
FIG. 15 comprises an electric generation element 66 such as a solar
cell and a secondary battery 67 into which electric power generated
by the electric generation elements 66 is charged in an operation
handle 4, in the above eighth modified example. It is constituted
that driving electric power is supplied from the electric generation
element 66 or the secondary battery 67 to the radio signal reception
circuit 45b and the control circuit 68. A constitution to supply the
electric power to the radio signal transmission and reception circuit
45b and the control circuit 68 in this modified example is similar to
the constitution to supply the electric power to the radio signal
transmission and reception circuit 45a and the control circuit 68 in the
above sixth modified example, so that substantially the same effect as
that of the above fifth modified example can be obtained.
[0041]
(Eleventh Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
As load control switch system "A" in accordance with an
eleventh modified example shown in FIG. 16 comprises plural (a case
of two is exemplified) wireless remote control devices 7, and each of
the wireless remote control devices 7 has an information unit 76, in
the above eighth modified example. The information unit 76 is a
moving unit to inform a location of the wireless remote control device

7 to a user, and it may be a buzzer, an LED (light emitting diode) or a
vibrator.
[0042]
The control unit 72 controls information motion in the
information unit 76 corresponding to a signal transmitted to or a
signal received from the load control switch 1. The information unit
76 receives an instruction signal from the control unit 72 and starts a
motion such as warning sound from the buzzer, lighting or flickering
of the LED or vibrator function. In this way, the information unit 76
informs the location of the wireless remote control device 7 to the
user via sense of vision or sense of hearing of the user.
[0043]
Subsequently, it will be described relating to the motion of the
load control switch system "A" in accordance with this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 17, when a user lost desired wireless remote control
device 7B, a "button for search" provided in the operation button unit
71 of another wireless remote control device 7A is pushed down, for
example. Then, the control unit 72 transmits a control signal for
search of the wireless remote control device 7B to the operation
handle 4.
[0044]
Subsequently, the control circuit 68 of the operation handle 4
acquires the control signal through the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit 45b and generates a reply signal for starting the
motion of the information unit 76 of the wireless remote control

device 7 each in the load control switch system "A". Then, the radio
signal transmission and reception circuit 45b transmits the reply
signal to the plural wireless remote control devices 7 in an area in
load control switch system "A" where electric waves can reach.
Subsequently, the control unit 72 of the wireless remote control
device 7B which received this reply signal starts the information
motion of the information unit 76. Therefore, the user can find lost
wireless remote control device 7B easily by using one of the plural
wireless remote control devices 7 in the load control switch system
"A".
[0045]
Besides, a "switch for search 40" provided on the operation
handle 4 of the load control switch 1 can be used without transmitting
the control signal from the wireless remote control device 7, as shown
in FIG. 18. When the user pushes down this "switch for search 40",
a reply signal for letting to start the motions of the information units
76 to the plural wireless remote control devices 7 in the load control
switch system "A" is transmitted from the load control switch 1 at
once. Therefore, the user can find the lost wireless remote control
device 7 easily.
[0046]
In this modified example, in order to replace the load control
switch 1, it will be no need to ask an electric engineering firm, for
example, for the wiring works, and thus, it is possible to improve or
to change the function of the load control switch with low cost at any

optional time, similar to the above eighth modified example.
[0047]
In addition, it is assumed that a user who lost desired wireless
remote control device 7 among the plural wireless remote control
devices 7 in the load control switch system "A" operates the load
control switch 1 with using another wireless remote control device 7.
In such a case, the wireless remote control device 7 which received
the reply signal replied from the load control switch 1 starts the
information motion of the information unit 76. Thereby, the user can
find the lost wireless remote control device 7 easily with using
another wireless remote control device 7.
[0048]
(Twelfth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 in a twelfth modified example shown
in FIG. 19 is constituted that driving electric power is supplied to a
radio signal transmission and reception circuit 45b and a control
circuit 68 from a primary battery 65 built in an operation handle 4, in
the above eleventh modified example. In addition, first contacts 37
and second contacts 47 are to be at least two each. The radio signal
transmission and reception circuit 45b or the control circuit 68 always
waits to receive a control signal from a wireless remote control device
7, even when a load is in a turned off state. A constitution to supply
the electric power to the radio signal transmission and reception
circuit 45b and the control circuit 68 in this modified example is
similar to the constitution to supply the electric power to the radio

signal transmission and reception circuit 45a and the control circuit
68 in the above fifth modified example. In addition, connection
constitution of the load control switch 1 to the commercial power
supply and the load and electric power feeding constitution to the
control circuit 36 are equivalent to those in the above fifth modified
example. Therefore, the load control switch 1 of this modified
example has substantially the same as that of the above fifth modified
example.
[0049]
In addition, the wireless remote control device 7 has a
constitution to drive each processing section such as the control unit
72, by the built-in primary battery 75. The driving mode of each
processing section is the same as that of the wireless remote control
device 7 in the above ninth modified example, so that it has
substantially the same effect as that in the ninth modified example.
Besides, in the wireless remote control device 7 of a type fixed on a
wall, it may have an electric power reception circuit to receive the
electric power from the commercial electric power supply.
[0050]
(Thirteenth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
A load control switch 1 of a thirteenth modified example
shown in FIG. 20 comprises an electric generation element 66 such as
a solar cell and a secondary battery 67 into which electric power
generated by the electric generation elements 66 is charged in an
operation handle 4, in the above eighth modified example. It is

constituted that driving electric power is supplied from the electric
generation element 66 or the secondary battery 67 to a radio signal
reception circuit 45b and a control circuit 68. A constitution to
supply the electric power to the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit 45b and the control circuit 68 in this modified
example is similar to the constitution to supply the electric power to
the radio signal transmission and reception circuit 45a and the control
circuit 68 in the above sixth modified example, so that substantially
the same effect as that of the above fifth modified example can be
obtained.
[0051]
(Fourteenth Modified Example of the First Embodiment)
FIG. 21 shows a constitution of a load control switch system
"A" in accordance with a fourteenth modified example. In the load
control switch system "A" in accordance with this modified example,
an operation handle 4 comprises an information unit 4a for informing
battery running out in a wireless remote control device 7 or battery
running out in the operation handle 4 to a user. In addition, the
operation handle 4 comprises a battery running out detection circuit
4b which measures a value of voltage and detects the battery running
out of the primary battery 65 built in the operation handle 4. In
addition, the wireless remote control device 7 comprises a battery
running out detection unit 77 which measures a value of voltage and
detects the battery running out of a primary battery 75.
[0052]

Subsequently, various kinds of motions of the load control
switch system "A" of this modified example is described referring to
FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 as well as FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 22, when
the battery running out is detected in the battery running out detection
unit 77 of the wireless remote control device 7, a control unit 72
transmits a motion signal for letting to start a motion of the
information unit 4a of the operation handle 4 to a radio signal
transmission and reception circuit 45b. A control circuit 68 which
received the motion signal indicates the battery running out of the
wireless remote control device 7 in an information unit 4a to a user.
Besides, the information unit 4a may be a mode to inform by warning
sound other than display indication shown in FIG. 21.
[0053]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23, when the battery
running out is detected in the battery running out detection circuit 4b
of the operation handle 4, the control circuit 68 transmits a motion
signal for letting to start a motion of an information unit 76 to the
wireless remote control device 7. The control unit 72 which
received the motion signal makes the information region 76 start a
motion to inform the battery running out of the built-in primary
battery 65 of the operation handle 4 to the user. By such a
constitution, the user can know batter running out of the primary
battery 75 in the wireless remote control device 7 or batter running
out of the primary battery 65 in the operation handle 4 surely.
[0054]

(Second Embodiment)
A load control switch system in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention is described. FIG. 24 is a
drawing showing a constitution of load control switches included in
the load control switch system in accordance with this embodiment.
In this drawing, members of the same constitutions as those in the
above first embodiment are referred the same marks. Basically, one
load control switch 1 consists of one switch module and one operation
handle. However, in the load control switch system "A" of this
embodiment, plural switch modules and a single operation handle
constitute plural load control switches corresponding to plural loads
(such as illumination installations), simultaneously. FIG. 24 shows a
state that plural (for example, three) electronic switch modules 8 are
directly mounted on an installation frame 9 established on a wall
surface of a building in a manner to be arranged in a vertical direction,
and a single operation handle 4 is attached to the plural electronic
switch modules 8.
[0055]
A terminal base 81 to which electric wires 5 are connected is
provided on a rear face 8a of the electronic switch module 8 each.
The terminal base 81 further comprises inlets 21 into which core
wires 51 of the electric wires 5 that insulation coatings are peeled off
are inserted, and they are constituted to be automatically locked when
the core wires 51 of the electric wires 5 are inserted (similar to those
in the conventional load control switch). In addition, as for the

terminal base 81, one in a two wire system is exemplified in FIG. 24,
it may be one in a three wire system. Since the electronic switch
modules 8 are installed by a person having specialist knowledge such
as a registered electrician, according to the constitution of this
embodiment, when the terminal module 2 (SIC: electronic switch'
module 8) is installed once, it is not replaced, usually.
[0056]
The electronic switch module 8 is an electronic switch using a
semiconductor switch element as a main switch element, and a
push-on / push-off switch 33 operated by the operation handle 4 is
provided on a mounting surface 8b to which the operation handle 4 is
attached. In addition, first contacts 37, through which a control
signal outputted from a radio signal reception circuit which will be
mention later is inputted, are provided on the mounting surface 8b of
the electronic switch module 8. The first contacts 37 constitute
external signal input terminals. A circuit board 35 is provided in an
inside of the electronic switch module 8, and a control circuit 36
which is constituted by a semiconductor switch element such as a
triac and controls conduction and non-conduction of the main switch
is mounted on the circuit board 35. When the operation handle 4 is
operated by a user, and thereby, the push-on / push-off switch 33 is
switched on or off, alternatively a control signal is inputted from the
first contacts 37, the load is turned on or off thereby.
[0057]
Only one operation handle 4 is used for plural (for example,

three) electronic switch modules 8. The operation handle 4 has a
bracing shaft 11 formed perpendicularly along an arrangement of the
electronic switch modules 8 in a state that it is attached to the plural
electronic switch modules 8. In addition, the operation handle 4 has
plural (for example, three) movable sections 12Ato 12C which are
formed in a shape of a cantilever to project from the bracing shaft 11
in a direction perpendicular to a center axis of the bracing shaft 11
each. The bracing shaft 11 is fit to fitting projections 91 which are
formed on the installation frame 9, for example, so that it is fixed
thereon. The operation handle 4 is formed by resin molding, for
example, coupling portions of the bracing shaft 11 and the movable
sections 12A to 12C are formed to have a wall thickness thinner than
that of the other portions, for example. Thereby, each movable
section 12Ato 12C can be deformed (bent) independently from other
movable sections, so that the push-on / push-off switch 33 of each
electronic switch module 8 can be operated individually. In addition,
the constitution, which enables each movable section 12A to 12C to
be deformed (bent) independently, is not limited to this, so that it may
be another constitution such as hinges. Besides, the operation
handle 4 is fixed so that the bracing shaft 11 is fit to the fitting
projections 91 of the installation frame 9 and attached to the
electronic switch modules 8 which are mounted on the installation
frame 9, indirectly. However, it may be constituted that either of or
all of the movable sections 12Ato 12C of the operation handle 4
is/are directly attached to the mounting surface/surfaces 8b of

electronic switch module/modules 8, directly.
[0058]
As is generally known, size of the operation handle is decided
by a number of the electronic switch module 8 mounted on an
installation frame. For example, when only one electronic switch
module 8 is mounted on an installation frame 9, an operation handle 4
called "single" having substantially the same size as that of a
rectangular opening formed on a decorative plate is used.
Alternatively, when two electronic switch modules 8 are mounted on
the same installation frame 9, operation handles 4 called "double"
each having a 1/2 size of a dimension in height direction of the
rectangular opening formed on the decorative plate are used
(dimensions in widthwise direction are the same). Furthermore,
when three electronic switch modules 8 are mounted on the same
installation frame 9, operation handles 4 called "triple" each having a
1/3 size of a dimension in height direction of the rectangular opening
formed on the decorative plate are used. In this embodiment, the
size of the movable section 12A to 12C of the operation handle 4 is
formed to be approximately 1/2 or approximately 1/3 of a dimension
in a height of the rectangular opening formed on the decorative plate.
As well as the conventional case, it is needless to say that it can be
selected among plural colors and designs.
[0059]
A radio signal reception circuit 45a and an antenna 64 are
mounted in an inside of a movable section (for example, 12B). In

addition, a projection 43 to push the push-on / push-off switch 33 is
formed on the rear face of each movable section 12A to 12C, that is, a
rear face 41 facing a mounting surface 8b of the electronic switch
module 8. In addition, second contacts 47, which are to be
connected to the first contacts 37 of the electronic switch module 8,
are provided on the rear face 41. The second contacts 47 constitute
output terminals. In addition, the radio signal reception circuit 45a
is connected to respective second terminals 47 through signal lines
47a, and thereby, the radio signal reception circuit 45a and the control
circuit 36 of the electronic switch module 8 is connected.
[0060]
As is generally known, since electric waves transmitted from a
wireless remote control device (not illustrated) include transverse
electric component and transverse magnetic component, there may be
a case that one component is splendid than the other component in
signal reception sensitivity due to surrounding radio wave
environment. Although only one antenna 64 is illustrated in FIG. 24,
it may be constituted that two antennas are arranges so that signal
receiving directions of them are to be perpendicular to each other, and
one antenna having a splendid signal reception condition is selected.
Selection of the antenna may be changed by switching of a user, and
it may be an automatic changed by the radio signal reception circuit
45a.
[0061]
In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, driving

electric power of the radio signal reception circuit 45a is not limited
in particular, so that it is possible to provide a primary battery in an
inside of the operation handle 4 and to supply the driving electric
power from the primary battery. In addition, it is possible to provide
a solar cell on a decoration face of the operation handle 4 and to
supply the driving electric power from the solar cell. Alternatively,
it is possible to provide contacts other than the first contacts 37 and
the second contacts 47 and to supply the driving electric power from
the electronic switch module 8 to the operation handle 4 side.
[0062]
Furthermore, when a lighting installation such as an
incandescent lamp or LEDs is connected as load, it is effective to
provide a light control function to the load control switch. In such a
case, it may be constituted that a light control circuit is further
provided in the control circuit 36 of the electronic switch, a light
control signal transmitted from a wireless remote control device is
received by the radio signal reception circuit 45a and the light control
circuit performs light control of a lighting installation as a load
corresponding to the light control signal. The wireless remote
control device (not illustrated) should possess operation buttons to
control lighting (on) and extinction (off) of at least a specific lighting
installation or all lighting installations, and constitution and
arrangement of them are not limited in particular. Furthermore, it
may possess the above light control button for light controlling.
[0063]

In this embodiment, a user can replace the load control switch
by oneself by purchasing a switching function module 3 (SIC)
meeting the purpose and an applicable operation handle 4 in the DIY
store or the like. For example, it is assumed that an operation handle
having no electronic function is attached when entering into a new
residence, if the user wishes to use a light control function of a
lighting installation, he/she may purchase an operation handle 4 and a
wireless remote control device, and replace the operation handle 4 by
oneself. Thereby, wiring works for replacing works is not needed ,
so that it will be no need to ask an electric engineering firm, for
example, for the wiring works, and thus, it is possible to improve or
to change the function of the load control switch with low cost at any
optional time.
[0064]
In addition, when a control signal transmitted from the
wireless remote control device is received by a single radio signal
reception circuit 45a, the control signal may be inputted into either of
or all of the plural electron switch modules 8 corresponding to the
contents of the received control signal. Therefore, it is possible to
control turning on and off of plural loads (lighting installations)
individually or simultaneously by a single wireless remote control
device and a single radio signal reception circuit 45a.
[0065]
Although a mode that a plurality of the same kind of the
electronic switch modules 8 are mounted on a single installation

frame 9 and a kind of the operation handle is attached thereon is
exemplified in FIG. 24, the load control switch system "A" comprises
plural kinds of switch modules having different functions each other.
In addition, the load control switch system "A" comprises plural kinds
of operation handles which are to be detachably attached to plural
kinds of the switch modules. Then, a load control switch is
constituted by attaching one operation handle selected among the
plural kinds of operation handles to one switch module selected
among the plural kinds of switch modules.
[0066]
Modified examples of the load control switch system "A" of
this embodiment will be described below. Equivalent constitutions
and effects among the above embodiment and modified examples or
among the modified examples are omitted.
(First Modified Example of the Second Embodiment)
FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a constitution of a load control
switch 1 in a first modified example. In this modified example, an
operation handle 4 is a form of a board body which covers the whole
arrangement of plural electronic switch modules 8 in a state that it is
attached to the plural electronic switch modules 8. Then, slits 14 are
formed to be able to deform movable sections 13A to 13C facing
push-on / push-off switches 33 of the plural electronic switch modules
8 independently each. A radio signal reception circuit 45a, second
contacts 47 and signal lines 47a are provided to avoid the movable
sections 13Ato 13C, and thereby, the signal lines 47 are not flexed so

that defectiveness due to breakage of the signal lines 47a is
prevented.
[0067]
(Second Modified Example of the Second Embodiment)
FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a constitution of an electronic
switch module 8 in the second modified example. In this modified
example, the electronic switch module 8 is constituted by a terminal
module 2 to which electric wires 5 are connected, and a switching
function module 3 which is detachably attached to the terminal
module 2 and has at least a switching function to control turning on
and off of a load. In this way, since the electronic switch module 8
is divided into the terminal module 2 and the switching function
module 3, a user can replace a function of a switch module without
accompanying electrical works. Constitutions of the terminal
module 2 and the switching function module 3 in this modified
example are respectively equivalent to the terminal module 2 and the
switching function module 3 except the bracing shaft 34 in the above
second modified example of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2).
[0068]
In this embodiment, even when the terminal module 2 is
installed beforehand, a user can replace the load control switch by one
self by purchasing a switching function module 3 meeting the purpose
and an applicable operation handle 4 in the DIY store or the like.
For example, it is assumed that the most popular priced mechanical
switch was attached as the switching function module when entering

into a new residence. In such a case, if the user wishes to control on
and off of a lighting installation from a wireless remote control device,
he/she may purchase a switching function module 3 with electronic
switch, an operation handle 4 having radio signal receiving function
and a wireless remote control device, and replace the switching
function module 3 and the operation handle 4 by oneself. Thereby, it
is possible to improve or to change the function of the load control
switch with low cost at any optional time.
[0069]
Besides, the load control switch system in accordance with this
modified example is constituted by a terminal module 2 in a two wire
system or in a three wire system, for example, plural kinds of
switching function modules 3 exemplified in the above embodiment
and plural kinds of operation handles 4 applicable, and so on.
[0070]
(Third Modified Example of the Second Embodiment)
FIG. 27 is a drawing showing a constitution of a load control
switch 1 in a third modified example. In this modified example,
plural (for example, three) electronic switch modules 8, 8A, 8B of
different kinds are mounted on an installation frame 6 (SIC: 9) in a
manner to be arranged in a vertical direction. Furthermore, different
operation handles 4, 4A, 4B are attached to the electronic switch
modules 8, 8A, 8B, respectively. Hereupon, central electronic
switch module 8 has a delay function, and central operation handle 4
is an operation handle corresponding to the electronic switch module

8 having the delay function. Hereupon, the central electronic switch
module 8 and the operation handle thereof are explained mainly.
[0071]
The electronic switch module 8 is an electronic switch using a
semiconductor switch element as a main switch element, and a
bracing shaft 34, which is fit to a bearing 42 provided on a rear face
41 of the operation handle 4, is provided on a mounting surface 8b to
which the operation handle 4 is attached. A projection 43, which
contacts the push-on / push-off switch 33 in a state that the operation
handle 4 is attached to the electronic switch module 8, is provided on
the rear face 41 of the operation handle 4. The operation handle 4 is
formed asymmetry with respect to the bracing shaft 34 (or the bearing
42), and it is held in one-sided by a spring of the push-on / push-off
switch 33, generally.
[0072]
A circuit board 35 is provided in an inside of the electronic
switch module 8, an electric power supply circuit (not illustrated), a
load control circuit 36a and a delay circuit 36b are mounted on the
circuit board 35, other than a main switch element. The load control
circuit 36a and the delay circuit 3b are constituted by a CPU and so
on, for example. The load control circuit 36a functions as a
subordinate (SIC) control circuit for controlling conduction and
non-conduction of semiconductor switch element such as a triac. In
addition, the delay circuit 36 turns off the load after passing a
predetermined time period after the push-on / push-off switch 33 is

pushed off. A delay function selection switch 82 for letting the
delay function of the delay circuit 36b effective and for setting a
delay time is provided on a mounting surface 8b of the electronic
switch module 8. In other words, as long as the delay function
selection switch 82 is not switched on, the delay function of the delay
circuit 36b is unavailable.
[0073]
An L-shaped groove 4c is formed on a rear face 41 of the
operation handle 4, for example, and a displacement member 4d is fit
into the groove 4c. When a longer side of the L-shaped groove 4c
(horizontal direction) is defined as a first direction and a shorter side
(vertical direction) is defined as a second direction, the displacement
member 4d slides in the groove 4c along the first direction and the
second direction. In addition, the displacement member 4d has a
projection 4e (a second projection) which is projected outward from
the rear face 41. On the other hand, the delay function selection
switch 82 has a contact face of a rectangle that a length in the first
direction (horizontal direction) is longer than a length in the second
direction (vertical direction). In a state that the operation handle 4 is
attached to the electronic switch module 8, the longer side of the
L-shaped groove 4c approximately overlaps the contact face of the
delay function selection switch 82. When the displacement member
4d is located somewhere in the longer side of the L-shaped groove 4c,
the projection 4e of the displacement member 4d contacts the delay
function selection switch 82. The position at somewhere on the

longer side of the L-shaped groove 4c is defined as a first position 4f
of the displacement member 4d. When the displacement member 4d
is slid upward in the shorter side of the L-shaped groove 4c, the
projection 4e of the displacement member 4d does not contact the
delay function selection switch 82. The upward position on the
shorter side is defined as a second position 4g of the displacement
member 4d. In addition, although it is not illustrated, click stop
structures each consists of V-shaped reentrants and a V-shaped elastic
protrusion, for example, is formed on the longer side and shorter side
of the L-shaped groove 4c and the displacement member 4d so as to
stop the displacement member 4d at predetermined positions
including the above second position. In addition, a reentrant 8c
which enables not to contact the projection 4e of the displacement
member 4d is formed at a portion on the mounting surface 8b of the
electronic switch module 8 facing the above second position 4g.
[0074]
Although, the electronic switch module 8A at the top position
in FIG. 27 has no delay circuit, first contacts 37 (external signal input
terminals) are provided on a mounting surface 8b thereof. Control
signals from various kinds of sensors such as a motion sensor or an
illumination sensor, or external electronic circuits such as a timer
circuit or a radio communication circuit are inputted into the first
contacts 37. In addition, the above external electronic circuit 45 and
second contacts 47 (signal output terminals) are provided on an
operation handle 4A at the top position. When this operation handle

4A is attached to the electronic switch module 8A, the load control
switch 1 becomes a functional switch comprising a sensor function, a
timer (on time and off time reservation) function or a wireless
communication function. In addition, an electronic switch module
8B at the bottom position in FIG. 27 is the simplest load control
switch having no delay circuit and no first contacts, and an operation
handle 4B thereof is the simplest operation handle having no
displacement member and no external electronic circuit. In this
embodiment, as well as the conventional case, it is needless to say
that it can be selected among plural colors and designs for the
operation handles 4, 4A, 4B.
[0075]
Since the delay function selection switch 82 serves as a delay
time setting switch in this modified example substantially, the
conventional volume for delay time adjusting becomes needless, and
miniaturization of housing thereof is enabled. Consequently, plural
electronic switch modules 8 each having delay function can be
mounted on a single installation frame 6 (SIC: 9). Alternatively,
many electronic switch modules 8A, 8B can be installed on the same
installation frame 6 (SIC: 9) with the electronic switch module 8
having the delay function, as shown in FIG. 27. Furthermore, price
reduction of the load control switch 1 due to reduction of parts cost is
enabled.
[0076]
FIG. 28(a) shows a constitution example of the delay function

selection switch 82. In addition, FIG. 28 (b) shows a state that the
projection 4e of the displacement member 4d (see FIG. 27) contacts
the contact face of the delay function selection switch 82. The delay
function selection switch 82 is configured to have plural electrodes 83
arranged in the first direction, and a pressure-sensitive conductive
rubber 84 having a rectangle contact face that a longer side thereof
corresponds to the first direction and covering whole of the arranged
plural electrodes 83. As mentioned above, the displacement member
4d is able to slide in the first direction along the groove 4c, and stops
at an optional first position 4f by the click stop structure. When the
operation handle 4 is operated by a user; the push-on / push-off
switch 33 is pushed on or off thereby and the projection 4e of the
displacement member 4d contacts the contact face 84a of the
pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 84, so that the pressure-sensitive
conductive rubber 84 is pressed and deformed. When a pressure is
applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 84, a pressurized
portion is conducted. For example, it is assumed that adjoining two
electrodes are alternately biased + and -, different electrodes or
combination of different electrodes are conducted corresponding to
the contact position on the contact face of the pressure-sensitive
conductive rubber 84. The delay circuit 36b sets a delay time
corresponding to which electrodes or which combination of the
electrodes are conducted, and performs a delay motion. In addition,
in the case that the displacement member 4d stops at the second
position 4g, even when the operation handle 4 is operated, the

projection 4e of the displacement member 4d does not come in
contact with the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 84, and thus,
the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber 84 is not pressed. In other
words, since no electrodes are conducted, the delay circuit 36b judges
the delay function is ineffective, and performs no delay motion.
[0077]
FIG. 29 shows another constitution example of the delay
function selection switch 82. In this constitution example, the delay
function selection switch 82 consists of plural minute push-on
switches 85 arranged in the first direction. A contact portion 85a of
the push-on switch is biased to protrude outward from a housing 86
by a spring not illustrated, so that it will be switched on only when
the contact portion 85a is pushed into an inside of the housing 86.
Therefore, when the operation handle 4 is operated, the projection 4e
of the displacement member 4d contacts the contact portion 85a of
either push-on switch 85 and the contact portion 85a is pushed into
the inside of the housing 86, the delay circuit 36b sets a delay time
and performs a delay motion. In addition, in the case that the
displacement member stops at the second position 4g, even when the
operation handle 4 is operated, the projection 4e of the displacement
member 4d comes in contact with neither contact portion 85a of the
push-on switch 85, and thus, neither push-on switch 85 is switched on.
In other words, since neither push-on switch 85 outputs any signal,
the delay circuit 36b judges the delay function is ineffective, and
performs no delay motion.

[0078]
(Fourth Modified Example of the Second Embodiment)
[0079]
FIG. 30 is a drawing showing a constitution of an electronic
switch module 8 in a fourth modified example. In this modified
example, the electronic switch module 8 is constituted by a terminal
module 2 to which electric wires 5 are connected and a switching
function module. The terminal module 2 comprises the above inlets
21 and outlets 22. The switching function module 3 is detachably
attached to the terminal module, and comprises a push-on / push-off
switch 33, a control circuit 36, a delay circuit 36b and a delay
function selection switch 82, and so on.
[0080]
In this modified example, it is assumed that the terminal
module 2 is installed on an installation frame 6 (SIC: 9) beforehand.
In such a case, since the electronic switch module 8 is divided to the
terminal module 2 and the switching function module 3, a user can
change or improve the function of the load control switch 1 by
changing the switching function module 3 and the operation handle 4
without accompanying electrical works.
[0081]
(Applied Example)
FIG. 31 shows an applied example of a load control switch 1 in
the above third or fourth modified example. As for a load control
switch in the applied example, it shows a constitution of a switch for

a restroom 1A which interlocks a lighting installation and a
ventilation fan. As is generally known, the switch for a restroom
which interlocks the illumination and the ventilation fan turns on the
lighting installation and the ventilation fan simultaneously when a
single operation handle is operated once, and turns off the lighting
installation when the single operation handle is operated again and
turns off the ventilation fan after passing a predetermined time period.
The switch for a restroom 1A which interlocks an illumination and a
ventilation fan is constituted by an electronic switch module 8 having
a delay function (a delay function module) and an electronic switch
module 8B and a single operation handle 4C attached to two
electronic switch modules 8 and 8B simultaneously. The electronic
switch module 8 is a delayed off switch module which turns on a load
when the operation handle 4C is operated as on operation and turns
off the load after passing a predetermined time period when operated
as off operation, in particular. The electronic switch module 8B is
the simplest electronic module having no delay circuit and no external
signal input terminals. Besides, a switch module having a
mechanical switch can be used instead of the electronic switch
module 8B.
[0082]
The operation handle 4C is an operation handle called "single"
having approximately the same size as that of a rectangular opening
formed on a decorative plate, for example. Two bearings 42 are
formed on a rear face 41 of the operation handle 4 corresponding to

bracing shafts 34 of two electronic switch modules 8 and 8B. In
addition, two projections 43 (first projections) are provided
corresponding to push-on / push-off switches of the two electronic
switch modules 8 and 8B. Furthermore, a projection 4e is provided
corresponding to the delay function selection switch 82 of the
electronic switch module 8.
[0083]
In this way, the switch for a restroom which interlocks an
illumination and a ventilation fan, which was conventionally
manufactured and dispensed as exclusive use, can be constituted by
combination of multi-purposed switch modules by applying the load
control switches and the load control switch system in accordance
with the present invention. Therefore, a large reduction in cost can
be realized.
[0084]
The invention is based on Japanese patent application
2010-261773, Japan patent application 2010-261780, Japan patent
application 2010-261609 and Japan patent application 2010-261619.
Furthermore, this invention is based on Japan patent application
2010-261787 and Japan patent application 2010-261631. Contents
of this application should be united in the present invention referring
to specifications and drawings of the above mentioned patent
applications, consequently.
[0085]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the

constitutions of the above first and second embodiments and various
modified examples of the embodiments, so that various modifications
are enabled for any purpose. For example, either mode in the first
and second embodiments and various modified examples of the
embodiments can be combined with another mode.
[0086]
In addition, as for the simplest constitution of the switching
function module 3, a mechanical switch comprising a movable contact
and a stationary contact can be recited. For example, it is considered
a rocker switch (seesaw switch) that the movable contact contacts the
stationary contact when an operation handle is rotated in a direction
around a bracing shaft thereof and the movable contact departs from
the stationary contact when the operation handle is rotated in reverse
direction. In case of the rocker switch, it is desirable that the
operation handle is formed symmetrical with respect to the bracing
shaft. Alternatively, it is considered a mechanical push-on / push-off
switch comprising a movable contact and a stationary contact (not
illustrated because of public knowledge). Although These
mechanical switches are low cost, though functions themselves are
simple only to switch on and off of the loads.
[0087]
In addition, although the cases using electric waves are
described as the wireless signal transmission and reception function,
it is not limited to those, and it may be a wireless signal transmission
and reception function using infrared rays.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
[0088]
A load control switch system
1 load control switch
2 terminal module

21 inlets
22 outlets
3 switching function module
31 sockets
32 mounting surface
33 push-on / push-off switch
34 bracing shaft
35 circuit board
36 control circuit (control circuit of electronic switch)
36b delay circuit
37, 37A first contacts (external signal input terminals)
38 plug outlet
4 operation handle
4d displacement member
4e projection (second projection)
4f first position
4g second position
41 rear face
42, 42A, 42B bearing
43 projection (first projection)

44 circuit board
45 external electronic circuit
45a radio signal reception circuit
45b radio signal transmission and reception circuit
46 volume (light control volume / time setting volume)
47, 47A, 47B second contacts (output terminals)
48 visual indication unit (LED)
49 function selection switch
5 electric wires
51 core wires
61 motion sensor
62 illumination sensor
63, 64 antenna

65 primary battery
66 generation element
67 secondary battery
68 control circuit
7 wireless remote control device
71 operation button unit
72 control unit (control signal output unit)
73 transmission and reception unit
74 indication unit (load control state informing unit)
75 built-in battery
76 informing unit
77 battery running out detection unit

8 electronic switch module
82 delay function selection switch
83 electrodes
84 pressure-sensitive conductive rubber
84a contact face
9 installation frame
11 bracing shaft
12Ato 12C, 13 A to 13C movable units

CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
1. A load control switch comprising: a terminal module which is
mounted on a installation frame established on a wall surface of a
building and to which electric wires are connected; a switching
function module which is detachably attached to the terminal module
and has at least a switching function to control turning on and off of a
load; and an operation handle which is detachably attached to the
switching function module.
[Claim 2]
2. The load control switch in accordance with claim 1,
characterized by that
the switching function module is an electronic switch using a
semiconductor switch element as a main switch element; and
a push-on / push-off switch operated by the operation handle is
provided on a mounting surface of the switching function module to
which the operation handle is attached.
[Claim 3]
3. The load control switch in accordance with claim 2,
characterized by that
at least two first contacts are provided on the mounting surface
of the switching function module;
at least two second contacts which contact the first contacts are
provided on a rear face of the operation handle facing the mounting

surface of the switching function module; and
an external electronic circuit which is connected to a control
circuit of the electronic switch through the first contacts and the
second contacts is provided in an inside of the operation handle.
[Claim 4]
4. The load control switch in accordance with claim 3,
characterized by that
the external electronic circuit includes a motion sensor and an
illumination sensor; and
the control circuit of the electronic switch controls turning on
and off of the load corresponding to a detection signal outputted from
the motion sensor and the illumination sensor.
[Claim 5]
5. The load control switch in accordance with claim 3,
characterized by that
the control circuit of the electronic switch or the external
electronic circuit includes a delay circuit; and
when the push-on / push-off switch is switched off responding
to the operation of the operation handle, the load is turned off after
passing a predetermined time period.
[Claim 6]
6. The load control switch in accordance with claim 3,
characterized by that
the control circuit of the electronic switch includes a light
control circuit; and

the external electronic circuit includes a light control volume
which is operated by a use and serves as a part of the light control
circuit.
[Claim 7]
7. The load control switch in accordance with one of claim 3 to
claim 6, characterized by that
the external electronic circuit includes an indication element.
[Claim 8]
8. The load control switch in accordance with claim 1,
characterized by that
the switching function module is a mechanical push-on /
push-off switch comprising a movable contact and a stationary
contact; and
the operation handle is formed asymmetry with respect to a
bracing shaft thereof.
[Claim 9]
9. The load control switch in accordance with claim 1,
characterized by that
the switching function module is a rocker switch comprising a
movable contact and a stationary contact, wherein the movable
contact contacts the stationary contact when the operation handle is
rotated in a direction around a bracing shaft thereof and the movable
contact departs from the stationary contact when the operation handle
is rotated in reverse direction; and
the operation handle is formed symmetrical with respect to the

bracing shaft.
[Claim 10]
10. The load control switch in accordance with one of claim 1 to
claim 9, characterized by that
the terminal module is a type in a three wire system; and
a plug outlet is provided on the mounting surface of the
switching function module.
[Claim 11]
11. The load control switch in accordance with claim 1,
characterized by that
the switching function module has an electronic switch
function for controlling turning on and off of the load corresponding
to a control signal inputted from outside; and
the operation handle has a radio signal reception circuit for
receiving the control signal transmitted from a wireless remote
control device.
[Claim 12]
12. The load control switch in accordance with claim 11,
characterized by that
the switching function module is an electronic switch using a
semiconductor switch element as a main switch element;
at least two first contacts to which the control signal is
inputted and a push-on / push-off switch operated by the operation
handle are provided on a mounting surface of the switching function
module to which the operation handle is attached;

at least two second contacts which contact the first contacts are
provided on a'rear face of the operation handle facing the mounting
surface of the switching function module; and
the radio signal reception circuit is provided in an inside of the
operation handle and connected to the control circuit of the electronic
switch through the first contacts and the second contacts.
[Claim 13]
13. The load control switch in accordance with claim 12,
characterized by that
the first contacts and the second contacts are respectively
provided more than two, and driving electric power is supplied from
the electronic switch to the wireless signal reception circuit through
the first contacts and the second contacts.
[Claim 14]
14. The load control switch in accordance with claim 12,
characterized by that
driving electric power is supplied to the radio signal reception
circuit from a primary battery which is built in the operation handle.
[Claim 15]
15. The load control switch in accordance with claim 12,
characterized by that
the radio signal reception circuit (SIC: operation handle)
comprises an electric generation element and a secondary battery into
which electric power generated by the electric generation element is
charged; and

driving electric power is supplied to the radio signal reception
circuit from the electric generation element or the secondary battery.
[Claim 16]
16. The load control switch in accordance with one of claim 11 to
claim 15, characterized by that
the control circuit of the electronic switch includes a light
control circuit;
the radio signal reception circuit receives a light control signal
transmitted from the wireless remote control device; and
the light control circuit controls a lighting installation as the
load corresponding to the light control signal.
[Claim 17]
17. The load control switch in accordance with one of claim 11 to
claim 16, characterized by that
the operation handle has an approximately square shape in a
front view, and attachable to the mounting surface of the switching
function module in two directions which are perpendicular to each
other.
[Claim 18]
18. The load control switch in accordance with one of claim 11 to
claim 16, characterized by that
the radio signal reception circuit has plural signal receiving
antennas arranged in different directions, and selects a most suitable
signal reception antenna corresponding to signal reception condition.
[Claim 19]

19. The load control switch in accordance with claim 1,
characterized by that
the switching function module has an electronic switch
function for controlling turning on and off of the load depending on a
control signal inputted from outside; and
the operation handle has a radio signal transmission and
reception circuit for transmitting and receiving a signal between a
wireless remote control device and it, and a control circuit.
[Claim 20]
20. The load control switch in accordance with claim 19,
characterized by that
when the radio signal transmission and reception circuit
receives a control signal from the wireless remote control device, the
control circuit replies a reply signal which expresses confirmation of
signal reception to the wireless remote control device.
[Claim 21]
21. The load control switch in accordance with claim 19,
characterized by that
when the radio signal transmission and reception circuit
receives a control signal for search from any wireless remote control
device, the control circuit generates a reply signal for search which
makes the wireless remote control device start an informing motion,
and the radio signal transmission and reception circuit transmits the
reply signal for search to plural wireless remote control devices which
can communicate.

[Claim 22]
22. The load control switch in accordance with claim 21,
characterized by that
the operation handle further comprises a switch to transmit the
reply signal to the plural wireless remote control devices which can
communicate with the load control switch.
[Claim 23]
23. The load control switch in accordance with claim 22,
characterized by that
the operation handle further comprises a battery running out
detection circuit for detecting battery running out of a built-in battery;
and
when the battery running out is detected by the battery running
out detection circuit, the control circuit transmits an operation signal
which makes the wireless remote control device start an information
motion to plural wireless remote control devices which can
communicate.
[Claim 24]
24. A load control switch comprising plural electronic switch
modules and a single operation handle detachably attached to the
plural electronic switch module, wherein
the operation handle receives a control signal transmitted from
a wireless remote control device, and inputs the control signal to any
one of or all of the plural electronic modules corresponding to
contents of the control signal which is received.

[Claim 25]
25. A load control switch comprising plural electronic switch
modules which are installed on an installation frame established on a
wall surface of a building, a single operation handle detachably
attached to the plural electronic switch modules directly or indirectly,
wherein
the electronic switch module uses a semiconductor switch
element as a main switch element and has external signal input
terminals, a push-on / push-off switch and a control circuit for
controlling conduction and non-conduction of the main switch
element, each; and
the operation handle has plural movable sections which are
detachably attached to the plural electronic switch modules
respectively, and individually operates the push-on / push-off
switches and has output terminals connected to the external signal
input terminals, and a single radio signal reception circuit which
receives a control signal transmitted from a wireless remote control
device and outputs the control signal to any one of or all of the plural
electronic modules corresponding to contents of the control signal
received.
[Claim 26]
26. The load control switch in accordance with claim 25,
characterized by that
the plural electronic switch modules are arranged for the
installation frame in a vertical direction; and

the single operation handle has a bracing shaft vertically
formed along arrangement of the plural electronic switch modules in a
state that it is attached to the plural electronic switch modules, and
the movable sections each is formed in a shape of a cantilever from
the bracing shaft to face the external input terminals and the push-on /
push-off switch.
[Claim 27]
27. The load control switch in accordance with claim 25,
characterized by that
the plural electronic switch modules are arranged for the
installation frame in a vertical direction; and
the single operation handle is formed in a plate shape for
covering arrangement of the plural electronic switch modules in a
state that it is attached to the plural electronic switch modules, and
slits are formed that portions facing the push-on / push-off switches
of the plural electronic switch modules are independently deformable.
[Claim 28]
28. The load control switch in accordance with one of claim 25 to
claim 27, characterized by that
the plural electronic modules each is constituted by at least a
terminal module to which electric wires are connected, and a
switching function module which is detachably attached to the
terminal module and has a switch function to control turning on and
off of the load.
[Claim 29]

29. A load control switch comprising an electronic switch module
having a delay function and an operation handle detachably attached
to the electronic switch module, wherein the electronic switch module
has a delay function selection switch serving as a delay time setting
switch, and the operation handle has a displacement member for
selectively switching on the delay function selection switch
corresponding to a position thereof.
[Claim 30]
30. A load control switch comprising an electronic switch module
which is installed on an installation frame established on a wall
surface of a building and an operation handle detachably attached to
the electronic switch module, wherein
the electronic switch module has a push-on / push-off switch, a
load control circuit for controlling turning on and off of the load, a
delay circuit for turning off the load after passing a predetermined
time period after the push-on / push-off switch is pushed off, and a
delay function selection switch used for setting a delay time and for
enabling a function of the delay circuit;
the operation handle has a first projection which contacts the
push-on / push-off switch and a displacement member having a
second projection which contacts the delay function selection switch;
and
the delay circuit varies the delay time corresponding to a
position at which the second projection of the displacement member
contacts the delay function selection switch.

[Claim 31]
31. The load control switch in accordance with claim 30,
characterized by that
the displacement member can be displaced between plural first
positions arranged in a first direction at which the second projection
of the displacement member contacts the delay function selection
switch and a single second position at which it does not contact he
delay function selection switch.
[Claim 32]
32. The load control switch in accordance with claim 31,
characterized by that
the second position is displaced in a second direction that is
perpendicular to the first direction with respect to an arrangement of
the plural first positions.
[Claim 33]
33. The load control switch in accordance with claim 31 or claim
32, characterized by that
the delay function selection switch is constituted by plural
electrodes arranged in the first direction and a pressure-sensitive
conductive rubber having a contact face of a rectangle shape that a
longer side thereof corresponds to the first direction and covers whole
of the arranged plural electrodes, and the delay circuit is constituted
that different electrodes or combination of different electrodes are
conducted corresponding to a contact position of the second
projection and the contact face.

[Claim 34]
34. The load control switch in accordance with claim 32,
characterized by that
the delay function selection switch is configured by plural
push-on switches arranged in the first direction.
[Claim 35]
35. The load control switch in accordance with one of claim 30 to
claim 34, characterized by that
the electronic modules is constituted by a terminal module to
which electric wires are connected, and a switching function module
which is detachably attached to the terminal module and has the
control circuit, the delay circuit and the delay function selection
switch.
[Claim 36]
36. A load control switch system constituted by:
a terminal module which is installed on an installation frame
established on a wall surface of a building and to which electric wires
are connected;
plural switching function modules which are detachably
attached to the terminal module and each has at least a switching
function to turn on and turn off of a load; and
plural operation handles detachably attached to the switching
function module each, wherein
a load control switch is constituted by attaching a switching

function module selected among the plural switching function
modules and an operation handle selected among the plural operation
handles on the terminal module.
[Claim 37]
37. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 36,
characterized by that
one of the plural switching function modules is an electronic
switch using a semiconductor switch element as a main switch
element; and
a push-on / push-off switch is provided on a mounting surface
of the switching function module to which the operation handle is
attached.
[Claim 38]
38. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 37,
characterized by that
at least two first contacts are provided on the mounting surface
of the switching function module;
at least two second contacts which contact with the first
contacts are provided on a rear face, which faces the mounting surface
of the switching function module, of the operation handle which
meets the switching function module; and
an external electronic circuit which is connected to a control
circuit of the electronic switch through the first contacts and the
second contacts is provided in an inside of the operation handle.
[Claim 39]

39. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 38,
characterized by that
the external electronic circuit is configured of a radio signal
reception circuit.
[Claim 40]
40. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 36,
further comprising a wireless remote control device which performs a
remote control of the load control switch; wherein
one of the plural switching function modules has an electronic
switch function to control turning on and off of the load depending on
a control signal inputted from outside;
an operation handle which meets the switching function
module among the plural operation handles has a radio signal
transmission and reception circuit transmits for transmitting and
receiving signals between the wireless remote control device and it
and a control circuit; and wherein
the wireless remote control device comprises:
a control signal output unit which generates a control signal to
control the switching function module;
a signal transmission and reception unit which transmits and
receives signals to and from the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit to perform the remote control of the switching
function module; and
a load state information unit which informs a load control state
by the switching function module to a user depending on a result of

signal transmission and reception between the signal transmission and
reception unit and the radio signal transmission and reception circuit.
[Claim 41]
41. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 40,
characterized by that
when the radio signal transmission and reception circuit
receives a control signal from the wireless remote control device, the
control circuit of the operation handle replies a reply signal which
expresses confirmation of signal reception of the control signal to the
wireless remote control device.
[Claim 42]
42. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 41,
characterized by that
when the transmission and reception unit received a reply
signal or when it could not receive the reply signal, the load control
state information unit renews contents of the load control state via
sense of vision or sense of hearing.
[Claim 43]
43. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 41,
characterized by that
when the reply signal could not received within a
predetermined time period after transmitting the control signal to the
load control switch, the control signal output unit of the wireless
remote control device retransmits the control signal to the load
control switch.

[Claim 44]
44. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 43,
characterized by that
when the replay signal could not received even though the
control signals was retransmitted to the load control switch, the
control signal output unit of the wireless remote control device
renews contents of information of the load control state information
unit.
[Claim 45]
45. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 43,
characterized by that
the load control switch system has plural wireless remote
control devices or plural load control switches; and
when the control signal is received, the control signal output
unit of the wireless remote control device or the control circuit of the
load control switch relays to transmit the control signal to another
load control switch.
[Claim 46]
46. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 40,
characterized by that
the radio signal transmission and reception circuit transmits a
load control state signal of the switching function module to the
wireless remote control device at a predetermined interval; and
when the signal transmission and reception unit receives the
load control state signal, the control signal output unit of the wireless

remote control device renews contents of information of the load
control state information unit based on the load control state signal.
[Claim 47]
47. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 40,
characterized by that
driving electric power is supplied to the radio signal
transmission and reception circuit and the control circuit from a
primary battery built in the operation handle.
[Claim 48]
48. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 40,
characterized by that
the operation handle has an electric generation element and a
secondary battery, into which electric power generated by the electric
generation element is charged, and driving electric power is supplied
to the radio signal transmission and reception circuit and the control
circuit of the operation handle from the electric generation element or
the secondary battery.
[Claim 49]
49. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 36,
characterized by that
the system comprises plural wireless remote control devices
that controls at least one load control switch remotely when any one
of the wireless remote control devices is used;
in the load control switch (SIC),
one of the plural switching modules has an electronic switch

function to control turning on and off of a load depending on a control
signal inputted from outside;
an operation handle which meets the switching function
module among the plural operation handles has a radio signal
transmission and reception circuit which transmits and receives signal
between the wireless remote control device and it, and a control
circuit; and
the plural wireless remote control devices each comprises:
a control signal output unit which generates a control signal to
control the switching function module;
a signal transmission and reception unit which transmits and
receives radio signals to and from the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit for controlling the switching function module
remotely; and
an information unit which informs a location of the wireless
remote control device; wherein
when the radio signal transmission and reception circuit
receives a control signal for searching another wireless remote control
device from the wireless remote control device, the control circuit
generates a reply signal for search, and the radio signal transmission
and reception circuit replies the reply signal to the plural wireless
remote control devices which can communicate in the load control
switch system; and
when the signal transmission and reception unit of each
wireless remote control device receives the reply signal, the

information unit performs an information motion.
[Claim 50]
50. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 49,
characterized by that
the information motion of the information unit is a motion to
inform the location of the wireless remote control device via sense of
vision or sense of hearing.
[Claim 51]
51. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 49 or
claim 50, characterized by that
the operation handle further comprises a switch for search to
search a location of the wireless remote control device in the load
control switch system;
the control circuit transmits a reply signal for search to drive
the information unit through the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit to the plural wireless remote control devices; and
when the signal transmission and reception unit receives the
reply signal, the information unit performs an information movement.
[Claim 52]
52. The load control switch system in accordance with one of
claim 49 to claim 51, characterized by that
the wireless remote control device further comprises a battery
running out detection unit for detecting battery running out of a
built-in battery;
when the battery running out is detected by the battery running

out detection unit, the control signal output unit transmits an
information circuit driving signal to the radio signal transmission and
reception circuit;
the operation handle further comprises an information circuit
to inform the battery running out of the wireless remote control
device to a user, when the radio signal transmission and reception
circuit receives the information circuit driving signal.
[Claim 53]
53. The load control switch system in accordance with one of
claim 49 to claim 52, characterized by that
the operation handle further comprises a battery running out
detection unit for detecting battery running out of a built-in battery;
when the battery running out is detected by the battery running
out detection unit, the control circuit transmits an information unit
driving signal to start driving of the information unit of the wireless
remote control device; and
when the signal transmission and reception unit receives above
information unit driving signal, the information unit performs the
information motion that inform battery running out of the operation
handle to a user.
[Claim 54]
54. A load control switch system constituted by plural kinds of
switch modules each installed on an installation frame established on
a wall surface of a building and having at least a switching function to
turn on and turn off of a load, and plural kinds of operation handles

detachably attached to the switch module, wherein
a load control switch is constituted by attaching an operation
handles selected among the plural kinds of operation handles on a
switch module selected among the plural kinds of switch modules.
[Claim 55]
55. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 54,
characterized by that
one of the plural kinds of switch module is an electronic
switch module using a semiconductor switch element as a main
switch element, and has external signal input terminals, a push-on /
push-off switch and a control circuit to control conduction and
non-conduction of the main switch element; and
one of the plural kinds of operation handles is detachably
attached to plural electronic modules in a state that the plural
electronic modules are installed on the installation frame, and has a
plurality of movable sections each operates the push-on / push-off
switch individually and has output terminals connected to the external
signal input terminals, and a single radio signal reception circuit
which receives a control signal transmitted from a wireless remote
control device, and inputs the control signal to one of or all of the
plural electronic switch modules through the output terminals and the
external signal input terminals corresponding to contents of the
received control signal.
[Claim 56]
56. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 56,

characterized by that
one of the plural kinds of switch modules of is a delay function
module having a push-on / push-off switch, a load control circuit
which controls turning on and turning off of the load, a delay circuit
which turns off the load after passing a predetermined time period
after the push-on / push-off switch is pushed off, and a delay function
selection switch which sets a delay time and enables a function of the
delay circuit;
one of the plural kinds of operation handles has a first
projection which contacts the push-on / push-off switch, and a
displacement member having a second projection which contacts the
delay function selection switch; and
when an operation handle having the displacement member is
attached to the delay function module, the delay circuit varies the
delay time corresponding to a position at which the second projection
of the displacement member contacts the delay function selection
switch.
[Claim 57]
57. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 56,
characterized by that
the displacement member is able to displace between plural
first positions arranged in a first direction at which the second
projection contacts the delay function selection switch and a single
second position at which the second projection does not contact the
delay function selection switch.

[Claim 58]
58. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 56 or
claim 57, characterized by that
the delay function module is constituted by a terminal module
to which electric wires are connected, and a switching function
module which is detachably attached to the terminal module and has
the control circuit, the delay circuit and the delay function selection
switch.
[Claim 59]
59. The load control switch system in accordance with claim 56,
characterized by that
the delay function module is a delayed off switch module that
turns on the load when an operation handle is operated an
on-operation and turns off the load after passing a predetermined time
period when operated an off-operation;
another one of the plural kinds of switch modules is a normally
on/off switch module which turns on the load when the operation
handle is operated the on-operation and turns off when operated the
off-operation;
another one of the plural kinds of operation handles is a single
operation switch which is attached to two switch modules
simultaneously; and
a switch for a restroom which interlocks a lighting installation
and a ventilation fan is constituted by the delayed off switch module
and the on/off switch module and the single operation switch.