Operating instrument, communication system, operating instrument body, and operating handle

Abstract

To provide an operating instrument, a communication system, an operating instrument body, and an operating handle that are easy to keep down the number of operating units relative to the number of switches.SOLUTION: An operating instrument 1 includes a board 7, a housing 2, and an operating handle 3. The board 7 is provided with a plurality of switches 6. The housing 2 houses the board 7 and has a support portion 23 provided between two switches 6 of the plurality of switches 6. The operating handle 3 is rotatably supported by the support portion 23. The operating handle 3 presses one switch 6 of the two switches 6 by an end portion on one end side of an operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 being pressed. The operating handle 3 presses the other switch 6 of the two switches 6 by an end portion on the other end side of the operating surface 31A being pressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an operating device, a communication system, an operating device main body, and an operating handle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an operating device including an operating device main body and an operating handle that receive an operation for switching a load state, a communication system including the operating device, the operating device main body, and the operating handle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an illumination control device in which a plurality of illumination loads are connected via a transmission line to an operating terminal device having an operation switch for collectively turning on and off the illumination loads in a group and a state display unit for performing an on display and an off display according to the on state and the off state of the illumination loads in the group. On the front surface of the case of the operating terminal device, the operation units of the respective operation switches are arranged side by side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the operating terminal device (operating device) described in Patent Document 1, since one operation unit is arranged for each switch, the number of operation units with respect to the number of switches increases.

[0005] In view of the above reasons, the present disclosure is made, and an object thereof is to provide an operating device, a communication system, an operating device main body, and an operating handle in which the number of operation units with respect to the number of switches can be easily suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An operating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a housing, and an operation handle. A plurality of switches are provided on the substrate. The housing houses the substrate and has a support portion provided between two of the plurality of switches. The operation handle is rotatably supported by the support portion. When one end of the operation surface of the operation handle is pressed, one of the two switches is pressed. When the other end of the operation surface is pressed, the other of the two switches is pressed.

[0007] A communication system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the operating device and a communication device that communicates with the operating device.

[0008] An operating device body according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate and a housing. A plurality of switches are provided on the substrate. The housing houses the substrate and has a support portion provided between two of the plurality of switches. The support portion rotatably supports an operation handle. When one end of the operation surface of the operation handle is pressed, one of the two switches is pressed. When the other end of the operation surface is pressed, the other of the two switches is pressed.

[0009] An operation handle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a handle body rotatably supported by a support portion of an operating device body. The operating device body has a substrate and a housing. A plurality of switches are provided on the substrate. The housing houses the substrate and has the support portion provided between two of the plurality of switches. The handle body has an operation surface. When one end of the operation surface is pressed, one of the two switches is pressed. When the other end of the operation surface is pressed, the other of the two switches is pressed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is easy to suppress the number of operation units with respect to the number of switches.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Even outside the following embodiments and modifications, various changes can be made according to the design and the like as long as the technical idea according to the present disclosure is not deviated. The following embodiments and modifications can be applied in appropriate combinations. Also, FIGS. 1 to 16 described in the present disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the respective ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the respective components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0013] (Embodiment) (1) Overview Hereinafter, an overview of the operating device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the operating device 1 includes a substrate 7, a housing 2, and an operating handle 3. A plurality of switches 6 are provided on the substrate 7. The housing 2 houses the substrate 7 and has a support portion 23 provided between two of the plurality of switches 6. The operating handle 3 is rotatably supported by the support portion 23. When one end of the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 is pressed, one of the two switches 6 is pressed. The operating handle 3 presses the other of the two switches 6 when the other end of the operating surface 31A is pressed.

[0015] This makes it easy to suppress the number of operating portions (the number of operating handles 3) with respect to the number of switches 6.

[0016] (2) Configuration Hereinafter, the operating device 1, the load system 100, the communication system 110 including the operating device 1, and the load control system 120 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0017] The load system 100 includes an operating device 1 and a load L1. The communication system 110 includes an operating device 1 and a communication device 111 that communicates with the operating device 1. The load control system 120 includes the communication system 110 and the load L1 (see FIG. 14).

[0018] (2-1) Overall configuration The communication system 110 is used in facilities such as office buildings, stores, hospitals, schools, or factories, for example. In the facility, a communication device 111 and an operator 1 are installed. Also, in the facility, a lighting fixture A1, a relay Ry1, and a control terminal device 9 are installed. The relay Ry1 has a contact connected between an AC power supply and the lighting fixture A1, and the contact is switched on or off according to a switching signal from the control terminal device 9. The control terminal device 9 switches between a state of supplying power from the AC power supply to the lighting fixture A1 and a state of cutting off the power supply by outputting a switching signal to the relay Ry1 to switch the contact on or off. Here, a load control system 120 for controlling the load L1 is realized by the communication system 110 including the operator 1 and the communication device 111, the control terminal device 9, and the load L1 to be controlled (for example, the lighting fixture A1 or the relay Ry1). The load L1 is not limited to the lighting fixture A1, and may be a relay Ry1 for switching between a state of supplying power to the lighting fixture A1 and a state of cutting off the power supply. Also, the load L1 may be an electric device such as a ventilation fan other than the lighting fixture A1, or a relay for switching between a state of supplying power to an electric device such as a ventilation fan and a state of cutting off the power supply. In the following embodiments, the case where the load L1 is the lighting fixture A1 will be described as an example. In FIG. 14, the number of operators 1 is one, but the number of operators 1 may be two or more. In FIG. 14, the number of control terminal devices 9 is two, but the number of control terminal devices 9 may be one or three or more. In FIG. 14, one relay Ry is connected to the control terminal device 9, and the control terminal device 9 controls the lighting / extinguishing of one lighting fixture A1. However, two or more relays Ry1 may be connected to one control terminal device 9, and one control terminal device 9 may control the lighting / extinguishing of two or more lighting fixtures A1. In the following description, when distinguishing and describing two lighting fixtures A1, they may be described as lighting fixtures A11 and A12, and when distinguishing and describing two control terminal devices 9, they may be described as control terminal devices 91 and 92.

[0019] The operator 1, the communication device 111, and the two control terminal devices 9 are each electrically connected to a two-wire transmission line 112.

[0020] The operator 1 is provided with a plurality (e.g., 8) of push-button switches 6 (see FIG. 15). A load address is assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6. When any one of the plurality of switches 6 is pressed, the operator 1 transmits the load address assigned to the pressed switch 6 to the communication device 111.

[0021] An individual address is assigned to the control terminal 9. Also, an individual address is assigned to the relay Ry1 connected to the control terminal 9, and the address obtained by combining the address of the control terminal 9 and the address of the relay Ry1 serves as the address of the load to be controlled. When the control terminal receives a control command addressed to itself from the communication device 111, it controls the relay Ry1 to be controlled to be on or off according to the received control command, thereby turning on or off the lighting fixture A1. Note that the control terminal 9 may perform dimming control of the lighting fixture A1 according to the received control command.

[0022] The communication device 111 has a memory that stores the correspondence between the load addresses assigned to the plurality of switches 6 provided in the operator 1 and the addresses of the loads to be controlled. The communication device 111 communicates with the operator 1 and two control terminals 9 connected to the transmission line 112 in a multiplex transmission system. The communication device 111 performs constant polling to sequentially access the operator 1 and the two control terminals 9, and acquires information from the operator 1 and the two control terminals 9. When any one of the plurality of switches 6 provided in the operator 1 is pressed, the operator 1 sends an interrupt signal to the communication device 111. When the communication device 111 receives the interrupt signal, it accesses the operator 1 that sent the interrupt signal, and acquires from the operator 1 the load address assigned to the pressed switch 6. When the communication device 111 acquires the load address of the pressed switch 6, it acquires the address of the load to be controlled associated with this load address, and sends a control command to the control terminal 9 corresponding to the acquired address. For example, if the load address of the pressed switch 6 is associated with the lighting fixture A11 connected to the control terminal 91, the communication device 111 sends a control command to the control terminal 91. Also, if the load address of the pressed switch 6 is associated with the lighting fixture A12 connected to the control terminal 92, the communication device 111 sends a control command to the control terminal 92. When the control terminal 9 receives a control command addressed to itself from the communication device 111, it controls the relay Ry1 to be controlled to be on or off according to the control command, and lights, turns off, or dims the lighting fixture A1.

[0023] The load addresses assigned to switch 6 include individual control addresses, group control addresses, pattern control addresses, etc. When switch 6 assigned with an individual control address is pressed, communication device 111 sends a control command to control terminal device 9 associated with the individual control address, and lights, turns off, or dims one lighting fixture A1 associated with the individual control address. When switch 6 assigned with a group control address is pressed, communication device 111 sends a control command to one or more control terminal devices 9 associated with the group control address. One or more control terminal devices 9 associated with the group control address, based on the control command from communication device 111, collectively lights, turns off, or dims a plurality of lighting fixtures A1 associated with the group control address. Also, when switch 6 assigned with a pattern control address is pressed, communication device 111 sends a control command to one or more control terminal devices 9 associated with the pattern control address. One or more control terminal devices 9 associated with the pattern control address, based on the control command from communication device 111, control each of the plurality of lighting fixtures A1 to the state (lit, turned off, or dimmed) specified by the control command.

[0024] Note that the transmission signal transmitted by communication device 111 to transmission line 112 is a bipolarity (±24V) time-division multiplexed signal. The operating power of the internal circuits of operator 1 and two control terminal devices 9 is generated by rectifying and stabilizing the transmission signal transmitted by communication device 111.

[0025] (2-2) Operator Hereinafter, the configuration of operator 1 (operation terminal) will be described in detail. Hereinafter, based on the arrows in the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction without the entities shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the direction of operator 1 may be defined for explanation, but it is not intended to limit the usage direction of operator 1. FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of operator 1.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation device 1 includes a housing 2, one or more (four in FIG. 1) operation handles 3, one or more (eight in FIG. 2) push-button switches 6, and a substrate 7. Further, the operation device 1 includes a mounting frame 5 and a quick-connection terminal block 8 (see FIG. 6). Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the operation device 1 includes a signal processing unit 15, a display light-emitting unit 10, a setting communication unit 16, a communication unit 17, a storage unit 18, and a power supply unit 19. The operation device 1 also includes a pair of first connection terminals 81 and a pair of second connection terminals 82.

[0027] The housing 2 houses the substrate 7. A plurality of switches 6 are provided on the substrate 7. A pair of transmission lines 112 are respectively connected to the pair of first connection terminals 81 and the pair of second connection terminals 82. The pair of first connection terminals 81 and the pair of second connection terminals 82 are electrically connected inside the operation device 1. For example, the pair of second connection terminals 82 are used as terminals for feed wiring.

[0028] The communication unit 17 is connected to the pair of transmission lines 112 via the pair of first connection terminals 81 and is connected to the pair of transmission lines 112 via the pair of second connection terminals 82. Thus, the communication unit 17 is branched and connected to the pair of transmission lines 112. The communication unit 17 communicates with the communication device 111 in a multiplex transmission mode via the pair of transmission lines 112.

[0029] The power supply unit 19 generates the operating power for the internal circuit by rectifying and stabilizing the transmission signal transmitted from the communication device 111 to the pair of transmission lines 112.

[0030] The setting communication unit 16 has the above-described communication light-emitting unit X1 and communication light-receiving unit Y1 (see FIG. 2). The setting communication unit 16 communicates with a setter 500 for address setting (see FIG. 16). The communication light-emitting unit X1 transmits a signal to the setter 500 by infrared light, and the communication light-receiving unit Y1 receives the infrared light transmitted from the setter 500, thereby performing optical communication using infrared light with the setter 500. The setter 500 is used to set a load address for each of the plurality of switches 6 provided in the operation device 1.

[0031] The setter 500 has, for example, a microcomputer having a processor and a memory. Then, by the processor executing a program stored in the memory, the microcomputer functions as the setter 500. The program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the microcomputer here, but it may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0032] The setter 500 (dedicated remote controller) has an elongated cylindrical housing as shown in FIG. 16. The setter 500 is, for example, battery-driven. On one surface of the housing of the setter 500, an operation unit 501 for receiving operations related to the setting of the load address is provided. The operation unit 501 has a plurality of operation buttons. The operation unit 501 is provided on the first end side in the longitudinal direction of the housing. Also, at the second end in the longitudinal direction of the housing of the setter 500, a communication module 502 for performing infrared communication with the operator 1 is housed. The communication module 502 includes an infrared light emitting element for transmitting infrared rays and an infrared light receiving element for receiving infrared rays. A decorative plate K1 can be attached around the front surface of the operator 1 so as to hide construction holes and the like.

[0033] The signal processing unit 15 performs overall control of the operator 1. The signal processing unit 15 mainly consists of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. By the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, the functions of the signal processing unit 15 are realized. The program may be recorded in the memory, may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0034] The storage unit 18 includes memories such as, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 18 stores, for example, the programs executed by the signal processing unit 15. The storage unit 18 stores, for example, the load addresses assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6.

[0035] The light-emitting unit 10 for display includes one or a plurality (eight in FIG. 2) of light-emitting groups G1. As shown in FIG. 2, each light-emitting group G1 includes a first light-emitting unit 11 and a second light-emitting unit 12. In short, the operating device 1 includes a plurality of operating handles 3, and the operating device 1 also includes a plurality of light-emitting groups G1 including the first light-emitting unit 11 and the second light-emitting unit 12.

[0036] (2-2-1) Operating handle As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the operating device 1 includes, for example, a mounting frame 5 having the dimensions of a mounting frame for a large-angle continuous wiring device for three units standardized by the Japanese Industrial Standards (so-called mounting frame for a three-unit switch), and the number of operating handles 3 is also four. Also, for each operating handle 3, when one of the left and right ends is pressed and displaced backward, the other is displaced forward, and conversely, when the other is displaced backward, one is displaced forward, which corresponds to a so-called seesaw-type operating handle. However, the number of switches 6 pressed by each operating handle 3 is two (that is, a total of eight). The two switches 6 corresponding to each operating handle 3 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the two switches 6 corresponding to each operating handle 3 may be simply referred to as "left and right switches 6", one as the "right switch 6", and the other as the "left switch 6".

[0037] The number of operating handles 3 is not limited to four. For example, the number of operating handles 3 may be any one of 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more. Also, the number of switches 6 is not limited to a total of eight.

[0038] As described above, the operating device 1 includes four operating handles 3. The four operating handles 3 are provided in a manner held by the housing 2. Each operating handle 3 receives an operation for switching the state of the load L1. In the present embodiment, each operating handle 3 can individually switch two different states of the load L1.

[0039] The four operating handles 3 are arranged so as to be lined up in the vertical direction in a front view. In other words, the plurality of operating handles 3 are arranged so as to be lined up in the longitudinal direction (here, the vertical direction) of the housing 2. The four operating handles 3 have the same structure as each other. Hereinafter, when the four operating handles 3 are described separately from each other, they may be referred to as the first operating handle 3A, the second operating handle 3B, the third operating handle 3C, and the fourth operating handle 3D in order from the top.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3, 7 to 9, each operating handle 3 (operating handle) includes a handle body 31, a name plate 32, a lid portion 33, and an optical member 4.

[0041] The handle body 31 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is long in the left-right direction. The handle body 31 is made of, for example, resin.

[0042] When viewed from the operation surface 31A side, the operating handle 3 has a first opening 301 on one end side of one switch 6 and a second opening 302 on the other end side of the other switch 6. Light indicating the state of one switch 6 passes through the first opening 301. Light indicating the state of the other switch 6 passes through the second opening 302. The operating handle 3 has a third opening 303 between the first opening 301 and the second opening 302.

[0043] Specifically, as viewed from the front, the handle body 31 has an opening 30 that is long in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 13B, the opening 30 includes a first opening 301 on the right side, a second opening 302 on the left side, and a third opening 303 located in the center, when viewed from the front. In the present embodiment, the first opening 301 and the third opening 303 are spatially connected, and the second opening 302 and the third opening 303 are spatially connected. Note that the "operation handle side opening 30X" in the present embodiment corresponds to each of the first opening 301 on the right side and the second opening 302 on the left side, as shown in FIG. 13B. In other words, the operation handle 3 has the operation handle side opening 30X.

[0044] The operation handle side opening 30X is formed in a slit shape. In the present embodiment, the operation handle side opening 30X is a rectangular hole that is long in the up-down direction when viewed from the front. The operation handle side opening 30X emits light (such as light from the first light emitting unit 11 and the second light emitting unit 12) emitted from the housing side opening 20 of the housing 2 described later.

[0045] Also, in the present embodiment, the first light emitting unit 11 and the second light emitting unit 12 are arranged so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction (here, the up-down direction) of the (corresponding) operation handle side opening 30X (see FIG. 13B). Therefore, it is easy to reduce the size of the operating device 1 in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the operation handle side opening 30X (for example, the left-right direction).

[0046] The operation handle 3 has an operation surface 31A (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 7). Specifically, the handle body 31 of the operation handle 3 has a flat operation surface 31A on its front side. The operation surface 31A is the surface around the opening 30 and is the surface that receives a pressing operation from the user. Note that not only the operation surface 31A but also the surface 40 of the optical member 4 (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 7) can be the surface that receives a pressing operation from the user. When it is described below that "the operation surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed", it means that at least one of the operation surface 31A and the surface 40 is pressed.

[0047] When the user presses an area near the right or left end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) with a fingertip or the like, a pressing operation on the operation handle 3 is performed. The pressing direction in which the user performs the pressing operation on the operation handle 3 generally corresponds to the rearward direction.

[0048] The operation handle 3 has a first locking portion 311 that locks to the housing 2 on one end side of one switch 6 when viewed from the operation surface 31A side, on the back surface 31B side opposite to the operation surface 31A (see FIG. 3). The operation handle 3 has a second locking portion 312 that locks to the housing 2 on the other end side of the other switch 6 when viewed from the operation surface 31A side, on the back surface 31B side opposite to the operation surface 31A.

[0049] Specifically, the handle body 31 has a pair of locking portions corresponding to the mounting portions 3X at both the left and right ends on the back surface 31B (see FIG. 3) opposite to the operation surface 31A. Hereinafter, the right locking portion of the pair of locking portions is referred to as the "first locking portion 311", and the left locking portion is referred to as the "second locking portion 312" (see FIGS. 7, 8, and 9).

[0050] The first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 are formed symmetrically left and right. Each of the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 has a pair of locking pieces 3100 protruding rearward. The tip of each locking piece 3100 is formed in a claw shape protruding outward. Each locking piece 3100 is inserted into a corresponding one of a plurality of locking holes 212 provided in the cover 21 of the housing 2 (see FIGS. 7 and 10). When the right end (or left end) of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the right end portion (or left end portion) of the handle body 31 retreats, and the handle body 31 rotates so that the left end portion (or right end portion) comes forward. In this state, the length of each locking piece 3100 is set so that the claw-shaped tip of the locking piece 3100 provided at the left end portion (or right end portion) contacts the peripheral edge of the locking hole 212.

[0051] In addition, the operation handle 3 has a holding portion for holding the rotation shaft 230 on the back surface 31B opposite to the operation surface 31A. Specifically, the handle main body 31 has a pair of holding portions corresponding to the mounting portions 3X at both the upper and lower ends on the back surface 31B side. Hereinafter, the upper holding portion of the pair of holding portions is referred to as the "first holding portion 313", and the lower holding portion is referred to as the "second holding portion 314" (see FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 11A).

[0052] The first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314 respectively hold a pair of rotation shafts 230 (see FIGS. 7, 10, and 11A) of the support portion 23 provided on the cover 21 of the housing 2. The support portion 23 is provided between two of the plurality of switches 6. Each of the first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314 is configured as a protruding piece protruding rearward from the back surface 31B of the handle main body 31. The tip of each of the first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314 has a recess 315 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) recessed forward, and the corresponding rotation shaft 230 is press-fitted into the recess 315. As a result, the handle main body 31 (that is, the operation handle 3) is rotatably supported by the support portion 23 and can rotate like a seesaw within a predetermined angle range about the pair of rotation shafts 230 (see the arrow in FIG. 11A).

[0053] In short, the operation handle 3 has a mounting portion 3X for mounting to the housing 2, and the mounting portion 3X includes the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 described above, and the first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314.

[0054] Each of the pair of rotation shafts 230 has a radius of the front semi-cylindrical portion slightly larger than the radius of the rear semi-cylindrical portion, and a step 232 (see FIG. 11B) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft 230 between the front semi-cylindrical portion and the rear semi-cylindrical portion. On the other hand, a claw portion 3151 (see FIG. 9) is provided at a position corresponding to the step 232 of the rotation shaft 230 in the depressions 315 provided in the first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314. Therefore, in a state where the rotation shaft 230 is fitted into the depressions 315 of the first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314 (see FIG. 11B), the claw portion 3151 is caught by the step 232, making it difficult for the rotation shaft 230 to come off from the first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314.

[0055] The operation handle 3 presses one of the two switches 6 when an end on one end side of the operation surface 31A of the operation handle 3 is pressed. The operation handle 3 presses the other switch 6 when an end on the other end side of the operation surface 31A is pressed.

[0056] The handle body 31 has a holding structure for holding the lid portion 33 on the back surface 31B side. Specifically, the handle body 31 has a pair of bearing portions 316 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) for holding a pair of shaft portions 331 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the lid portion 33 on both left and right sides of the second holding portion 314 at the lower end portion on the back surface 31B side. Further, the handle body 31 has a pair of protrusions 317 (see FIG. 8) having hole portions 318 into which a pair of protruding pieces 332 (see FIG. 8) of the lid portion 33 are respectively inserted on both left and right sides of the first holding portion 313 at the upper end portion on the back surface 31B side.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 7, the nameplate 32 is formed in a long rectangular plate shape in the left - right direction. The nameplate 32 is made of, for example, resin. A name related to the load L1 whose state is switched by the operation of the operation handle 3 can be written on the nameplate 32. For example, a name such as "Conference Room 1" corresponding to the location where the load L1 is installed can be written. For example, a user who uses the operator 1 appropriately writes a name on the surface of the nameplate 32. The nameplate 32 is arranged on the back 31B side of the handle body 31 so as to face the third opening 303 of the handle body 31 via the optical member 4. The nameplate 32 has substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as the third opening 303 when viewed from the front. A lid portion 33 is arranged on the back side of the nameplate 32.

[0058] The lid portion 33 is held by the handle body 31 in a state where one end portion (here, the lower end portion) is used as a rotation axis and the other end portion (here, the upper end portion) can be opened and closed on the back 31B side of the handle body 31. The lid portion 33 is arranged on the back 31B side of the handle body 31 so as to sandwich the optical member 4 and the nameplate 32 with the handle body 31.

[0059] The lid portion 33 is made of, for example, resin. The lid portion 33 has a pair of shaft portions 331 (see Figs. 7 and 8) at its lower end portion. Also, the lid portion 33 has a pair of projecting pieces 332 (see Figs. 7 and 8) at its upper end portion. The lid portion 33 is held by the handle body 31 such that the shaft portion 331 is held by the bearing portion 316 of the handle body 31, and can rotate between an open position where the nameplate 32 can be taken out with the shaft portion 331 as a rotation axis and a closed position where the nameplate 32 is covered. When the lid portion 33 is further pushed forward with a fingertip or the like in the closed position, the pair of projecting pieces 332 are respectively fitted into the pair of hole portions 318 of the handle body 31, and it is suppressed that the lid portion 33 opens.

[0060] The lid portion 33 has a pair of protruding contact portions 334 (see FIG. 8, a total of four) near both left and right ends on its back surface. The contact portions 334 are arranged to face the pressing portions 210 (see FIG. 7) provided on the cover 21 of the housing 2 described later. By contacting the pressing portions 210, the contact portions 334 transmit the pressing operation received from the user on the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40). The contact portions 334 may be in slight contact with the pressing portions 210 even when not receiving a pressing operation. Alternatively, the contact portions 334 may be separated from the pressing portions 210 when not receiving a pressing operation and come into contact by receiving a pressing operation.

[0061] The lid portion 33 further has a gripping portion 333 (FIG. 8) that can be gripped by the user's finger or the like on its back surface. The user can open the lid portion 33 by gripping and pulling the gripping portion 333.

[0062] The optical member 4 is disposed within the opening 30. The optical member 4 has light transmissivity or light guiding property. As an example, the optical member 4 is formed of a transparent acrylic resin or the like. The optical member 4 is formed in a rectangular box shape with its upper surface, lower surface, and back surface open as a whole.

[0063] The optical member 4 covers the first opening 301, the second opening 302, and the third opening 303. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the optical member 4 includes a pair of first optical members 41 that cover the left and right first openings 301 and second openings 302 (see FIG. 13B) on the back surface 31B side opposite to the operation surface 31A, and a second optical member 42 that covers the central third opening 303. In this embodiment, the pair of first optical members 41 and the second optical member 42 are formed as one continuous integral member, but they may be separate members from each other. Also, the optical member 4 does not necessarily need to be disposed on the back surface 31B side opposite to the operation surface 31A.

[0064] The second optical member 42 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The name plate 32 is arranged to face the second optical member 42. The second optical member 42 has a pair of protrusions 420 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) protruding from the upper and lower edge portions respectively. When the pair of protrusions 420 hit the periphery of the third opening 303 (see FIG. 13B) from behind, the dropout of the optical member 4 from the opening 30 is suppressed. The user can visually recognize the name written on the name plate 32 through the second optical member 42.

[0065] A pair of first optical members 41 are respectively provided at the left and right ends of the second optical member 42. By being arranged in the first opening 301, the right first optical member 41 efficiently guides the light (visible light) from the first light emitting portion 11 and the second light emitting portion 12 described later to the outside of the operation handle 3. Among the four operation handles 3, only the fourth operation handle 3D can also pass through the right first optical member 41 the light (infrared light) from the communication light emitting portion X1 (see FIG. 5) described later and the light (infrared light) directed to the communication light receiving portion Y1 (see FIG. 5) in addition to the above visible light. FIG. 5 is a main part plan view of the region corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D on the substrate 7. Also, by being arranged in the second opening 302, the left first optical member 41 efficiently guides the light (visible light) from the first light emitting portion 11 and the second light emitting portion 12 to the outside of the operation handle 3. Among the four operation handles 3, only the fourth operation handle 3D can also pass through the left first optical member 41 the light (infrared light) from the communication light emitting portion X1 and the light (infrared light) directed to the communication light receiving portion Y1 in addition to the above visible light. Thus, the optical member 4 is arranged in the operation handle side opening 30X (the first opening 301 and the second opening 302).

[0066] In this embodiment, each first optical member 41 has a columnar portion 410 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) formed in a substantially rectangular column shape. The columnar portion 410 extends inward. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the columnar portion 410 passes through the housing-side opening 20 provided in the cover 21 and extends to the depth so as to face the first light-emitting portion 11 and the second light-emitting portion 12 mounted on the substrate 7 housed in the housing 2 in the vicinity. Among the four operation handles 3, only the fourth operation handle 3D, the columnar portion 410 of each first optical member 41 also faces the communication light-emitting portion X1 and the communication light-receiving portion Y1 mounted on the substrate 7 in the vicinity.

[0067] The user can visually recognize the light (visible light) from the first light-emitting portion 11 and the second light-emitting portion 12 through each first optical member 41. Note that a part of the light from the first light-emitting portion 11 and the second light-emitting portion 12 can also be led out from the central second optical member 42.

[0068] In addition, each first optical member 41 further has a protrusion 411 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) protruding outward. By the pair of protrusions 411 hitting the peripheries of the first opening 301 and the second opening 302 (see FIG. 13B) from behind, the dropout from the opening 30 of the optical member 4 is suppressed.

[0069] In addition, each first optical member 41 further has a protrusion 412 (see FIG. 7) protruding forward. Since the protrusions 412 are provided at the left end portion and the right end portion of the surface 40 of the optical member 4, respectively, the protrusion 412 provided at the left end portion of the surface 40 of the optical member 4 is located at the left end of the opening 30, and the protrusion 412 provided at the right end portion of the surface 40 of the optical member 4 is located at the right end of the opening 30 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, when pressing (operating) the right side portion or the left side portion of the operation surface 31A (surface 40) of the operation handle 3, there is an advantage that the position of pressing each operation handle 3 can be easily understood by using the position of the protrusion 412 as a clue. Note that the protrusion indicating the operation position may be provided on the operation surface 31A of the operation handle 3 (that is, the peripheral portion of the opening 30). In this case, it is not necessary to provide the protrusion 412 of the first optical member 41.

[0070] When attaching the operation handle 3 configured as described above to the housing 2, for example, the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 are deflected toward each other with fingertips or the like. In this state, while inserting each locking piece 3100 into the corresponding locking hole 212 from the front, the operation handle 3 is pushed backward so that the rotary shaft 230 is fitted into the recess 315 of the first holding portion 313 and the second holding portion 314. As a result, the handle main body 31 is supported by the support portion 23, and the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 elastically return in a direction away from each other, and each locking piece 3100 is stably positioned within the locking hole 212.

[0071] Even if the handle main body 31 is pulled forward, the tips of the locking pieces 3100 of the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 are caught by the peripheral edge of the locking hole 212. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the handle main body 31 from coming off the support portion 23. As a result, the operation handle 3 is prevented from falling off the housing 2.

[0072] (2-2-2) Housing The housing 2 is formed in a long shape. In the present embodiment, the housing 2 is formed in a rectangular box shape that is flat in the front-rear direction and long in the vertical direction.

[0073] The housing 2 houses the substrate 7 and the like inside. As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 2 holds the quick-connect terminal block 8 mounted on the substrate 7 on the back side so as to be exposed to the outside. As shown in FIG. 12, the housing 2 includes a cover 21 and a case 22. Both the cover 21 and the case 22 are made of resin.

[0074] The cover 21 is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open rear surface. The cover 21 is assembled so as to cover the (open) front surface of the case 22.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the cover 21 has one or a plurality (here, four) of support portions 23 arranged side by side in the vertical direction in a front view. As described above, each support portion 23 has a pair of rotating shafts 230 that fit into a pair of depressions 315 of the corresponding operation handle 3. Specifically, the support portion 23 further has a pair of substantially triangular plate-shaped projections 231 that project forward from the front surface 21A of the cover 21 (see FIGS. 10 and 12). The pair of projections 231 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction. The pair of rotating shafts 230 project in a direction away from each other from the pair of projections 231 in the vertical direction.

[0076] Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the cover 21 has one or a plurality (here, four) of pressing portions 210 arranged side by side in the vertical direction in a front view. The four pressing portions 210 are respectively arranged so as to correspond to the four support portions 23. Specifically, each pressing portion 210 is arranged between a pair of projections 231 of the corresponding support portion 23 that are arranged at a predetermined interval. Each pressing portion 210 transmits a pressing operation from the operation handle 3 supported by the corresponding support portion 23 to either one of the left and right switches 6.

[0077] The housing 2 has pressing pieces 211 at positions corresponding to the plurality of switches 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, each pressing portion 210 has a pair of pressing pieces 211 and a pair of extending portions 213.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, each of the pair of extending portions 213 is formed in a substantially T shape in a front view. The pair of extending portions 213 are arranged to be symmetric with respect to the left and right in a front view. The pair of extending portions 213 are formed to extend in a direction away from each other in the left and right direction. A groove 214 that penetrates the cover 21 in the front-rear direction is formed in the peripheral region of each extending portion 213. As a result, the tip portion 213A of each extending portion 213 can move back and forth with the base as a fulcrum.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3, each extending portion 213 extends obliquely forward so as to protrude forward from the base toward the tip portion 213A. Therefore, when the user presses the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) of the operation handle 3 with a fingertip or the like, an appropriate stress is received from the side of the extending portion 213. As a result, the operating feeling is improved.

[0080] Each tip portion 213A has a block shape that is long in the vertical direction. The pressing piece 211 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the tip portion 213A.

[0081] The operation handle 3 presses one of the plurality of switches 6 via the pressing piece 211. For example, when the vicinity of the right side of the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) of a certain operation handle 3 is pressed, a pair of right contact portions 334 on the back surface of the lid portion 33 of the operation handle 3 transmits the pressing force to the surface of the tip portion 213A of the right extending portion 213. As a result, the right extending portion 213 bends rearward due to elastic deformation, its tip portion 213A is displaced rearward, and the tip of the pressing piece 211 presses the right switch 6.

[0082] Similarly, when the vicinity of the left side of the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) of a certain operation handle 3 is pressed, a pair of left contact portions 334 on the back surface of the lid portion 33 of the operation handle 3 transmits the pressing force to the surface of the tip portion 213A of the left extending portion 213. As a result, the left extending portion 213 bends rearward due to elastic deformation, its tip portion 213A is displaced rearward, and the tip of the pressing piece 211 presses the left switch 6.

[0083] When the user's pressing operation ends, the extending portion 213 that has received the pressing force elastically returns, and the "pressing" of the switch 6 by the tip portion 213A is released.

[0084] Further, the cover 21 has one or a plurality (here, a total of 16) of locking holes 212 (see FIG. 10). Each locking hole 212 penetrates the cover 21 in the front-rear direction. Each locking hole 212 is formed in a slit shape. Each locking hole 212 is long in the vertical direction.

[0085] The 16 locking holes 212 are arranged in two rows of 8 each on the left and right when viewed from the front of the front surface 21A. The 8 locking holes 212 in the right row are arranged in a single row in the vertical direction near the right end of the front surface 21A. The 8 locking holes 212 in the left row are arranged in a single row in the vertical direction near the left end of the front surface 21A.

[0086] Hereinafter, the 8 locking holes 212 in each of the right row and the left row may be referred to as locking hole 212A, locking hole 212B, locking hole 212C, locking hole 212D, locking hole 212E, locking hole 212F, locking hole 212G, and locking hole 212H in order from the top (see FIG. 10).

[0087] Four locking pieces 3100 provided on the handle body 31 of the first operation handle 3A are respectively inserted into the left and right locking holes 212A and the left and right locking holes 212B.

[0088] Four locking pieces 3100 provided on the handle body 31 of the second operation handle 3B are respectively inserted into the left and right locking holes 212C and the left and right locking holes 212D.

[0089] Four locking pieces 3100 provided on the handle body 31 of the third operation handle 3C are respectively inserted into the left and right locking holes 212E and the left and right locking holes 212F.

[0090] Four locking pieces 3100 provided on the handle body 31 of the fourth operation handle 3D are respectively inserted into the left and right locking holes 212G and the left and right locking holes 212H.

[0091] Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 10, and 13A, the cover 21 has one or a plurality (here, a total of 8) of housing-side openings 20. Each housing-side opening 20 penetrates the cover 21 in the front-rear direction. Each housing-side opening 20 is formed in a slit shape. Each housing-side opening 20 is long in the vertical direction.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, the eight housing-side openings 20 are arranged in two rows of four on the left and right in the front view of the front surface 21A. The four housing-side openings 20 in the right row are arranged vertically between the eight locking holes 212A to 212H in the right row and the four pressing portions 210 arranged in the center in the front view of the front surface 21A. Further, the four housing-side openings 20 in the left row are arranged in a single vertical row between the eight locking holes 212A to 212H in the left row and the four pressing portions 210 arranged in the center in the front view of the front surface 21A.

[0093] Each of the four operation handles 3 is arranged to cover the corresponding two left and right housing-side openings 20. That is, the operation handle 3 is arranged to cover the housing-side opening 20.

[0094] Hereinafter, the four housing-side openings 20 in each of the right row and the left row may be referred to as a housing-side opening 20A, a housing-side opening 20B, a housing-side opening 20C, and a housing-side opening 20D in order from the top (see FIG. 10).

[0095] The first operation handle 3A covers the left and right housing-side openings 20A. In particular, in the front view, the right housing-side opening 20A is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, almost all) of the right first opening 301 of the opening 30 of the first operation handle 3A. Further, in the front view, the left housing-side opening 20A is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, almost all) of the left second opening 302 of the opening 30 of the first operation handle 3A.

[0096] The second operation handle 3B covers the left and right housing-side openings 20B. In particular, in the front view, the right housing-side opening 20B is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, almost all) of the right first opening 301 of the opening 30 of the second operation handle 3B. Further, in the front view, the left housing-side opening 20B is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, almost all) of the left second opening 302 of the opening 30 of the second operation handle 3B.

[0097] The third operation handle 3C covers the left and right housing side openings 20C. In particular, in a front view, the right housing side opening 20C is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, generally all) of the first opening 301 on the right side of the opening 30 of the third operation handle 3C. Also, in a front view, the left housing side opening 20C is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, generally all) of the second opening 302 on the left side of the opening 30 of the third operation handle 3C.

[0098] The fourth operation handle 3D covers the left and right housing side openings 20D. In particular, in a front view, the right housing side opening 20D is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, generally all) of the first opening 301 on the right side of the opening 30 of the fourth operation handle 3D. Also, in a front view, the left housing side opening 20D is arranged so as to overlap at least a part (here, generally all) of the second opening 302 on the left side of the opening 30 of the fourth operation handle 3D.

[0099] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the cover 21 has a pair of first protrusions 215 (a total of four) each having a hole portion 215A at each of its upper end portion and lower end portion. Each first protrusion 215 protrudes toward the case 22. In FIG. 12, only a pair of the first protrusions 215 at the lower end portion of the cover 21 among the four first protrusions 215 are shown.

[0100] On the other hand, the case 22 is also provided with four claw portions 225. The cover 21 is assembled to the case 22 by the four claw portions 225 being respectively caught one-to-one in the hole portions 215A of the four first protrusions 215.

[0101] Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the cover 21 has a pair of second protrusions 216 (a total of four) at each of its right and left ends. Each second protrusion 216 protrudes toward the case 22. In FIG. 12, only a pair of second protrusions 216 at the right end of the cover 21 among the four second protrusions 216 are shown. A pair of mounting claws 216A (see FIG. 12) are provided on the surface of each second protrusion 216. A total of eight mounting claws 216A are provided on the entire cover 21. By hooking the eight mounting claws 216A into a plurality of mounting holes 51 (see FIG. 4) provided in the mounting frame 5, the entire housing 2 is attached to the mounting frame 5.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 12, the case 22 is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open front surface. The case 22 is substantially the same shape as the substrate 7 in a front view and is formed with slightly larger dimensions than the substrate 7.

[0103] The case 22 has a plurality of prismatic protrusions 221 (see FIG. 12) at its peripheral edge 22B. The plurality of protrusions 221 come into contact with the periphery of the substrate 7 to perform stable positioning of the substrate 7 in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0104] Further, the case 22 has two cylindrical insertion protrusions 222 (see FIGS. 2 and 12) protruding from its bottom surface 22A. The two insertion protrusions 222 are respectively inserted into two positioning holes 71 provided in the substrate 7 to perform stable positioning of the substrate 7 in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0105] Further, the case 22 has a plurality of cylindrical boss portions 223 (see FIG. 3) protruding from its bottom surface 22A. The plurality of boss portions 223 come into contact with the back surface of the substrate 7 to perform stable positioning of the substrate 7 in the rear direction.

[0106] Further, the case 22 has four claw portions 225 (see FIG. 12) that are respectively hooked into four hole portions 215A of the cover 21 on the outer surfaces of the upper and lower ends of its peripheral edge 22B as described above.

[0107] (2-2-3) Substrate and Mounted Components As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 7 is a single printed wiring board. The substrate 7 has a first mounting surface 7A (front surface) and a second mounting surface 7B (rear surface) on the side opposite to the first mounting surface 7A. A plurality of electronic components (mounted components) are mounted on the first mounting surface 7A and the second mounting surface 7B. The plurality of electronic components include eight switches 6, eight light-emitting groups G1, two communication light-emitting parts X1, two communication light-receiving parts Y1, and a quick-connection terminal block 8. Further, the plurality of electronic components include electronic components constituting the communication unit 17 (see FIG. 15), electronic components constituting the power supply unit, electronic components constituting the wireless communication unit, and electronic components constituting the control unit, etc.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 2, the eight switches 6 are provided on the substrate 7. In the front view of the first mounting surface 7A (front surface), the eight switches 6 are divided into two rows of four each and arranged in the vertical direction. The eight switches 6 are switches having the same structure as each other. In the present embodiment, each switch 6 is a so-called tactile switch that turns on when pressed and turns off when released. The eight switches 6 are surface-mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface).

[0109] Hereinafter, the four switches 6 in the right column may be referred to as "first switches 61", and the four switches 6 in the left column may be referred to as "second switches 62".

[0110] Hereinafter, the first switches 61 and the second switches 62 in the first row from the top may be collectively referred to as "first switch group 6A", and the first switches 61 and the second switches 62 in the second row from the top may be collectively referred to as "second switch group 6B" (see FIG. 2). Further, the first switches 61 and the second switches 62 in the third row from the top may be collectively referred to as "third switch group 6C", and the first switches 61 and the second switches 62 in the fourth row from the top may be collectively referred to as "fourth switch group 6D" (see FIG. 2).

[0111] The first switch group 6A is arranged corresponding to the first operation handle 3A. In the first operation handle 3A, when the vicinity of the right end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the first switch 61 of the first switch group 6A is turned on, and when the vicinity of the left end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the second switch 62 of the first switch group 6A is turned on.

[0112] The second switch group 6B is arranged corresponding to the second operation handle 3B. In the second operation handle 3B, when the vicinity of the right end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the first switch 61 of the second switch group 6B is turned on, and when the vicinity of the left end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the second switch 62 of the second switch group 6B is turned on.

[0113] The third switch group 6C is arranged corresponding to the third operation handle 3C. In the third operation handle 3C, when the vicinity of the right end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the first switch 61 of the third switch group 6C is turned on, and when the vicinity of the left end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the second switch 62 of the third switch group 6C is turned on.

[0114] The fourth switch group 6D is arranged corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D. In the fourth operation handle 3D, when the vicinity of the right end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the first switch 61 of the fourth switch group 6D is turned on, and when the vicinity of the left end of the operation surface 31A (the front surface 40) receives a pressing operation, the second switch 62 of the fourth switch group 6D is turned on.

[0115] Each time the operation handle 3 receives a pressing operation and the corresponding switch 6 is turned on, the communication unit 17 transmits an operation signal to the communication device 111. That is, the communication unit 17 transmits an operation signal to the communication device 111 based on the operation received by the operation handle 3. Also, the communication unit 17 receives a state signal regarding the state of the load L1.

[0116] The eight light-emitting groups G1 of the light-emitting unit 10 are provided on the substrate 7 as shown in FIG. 2. The plurality (here, eight) of light-emitting groups G1 are arranged so as to respectively correspond to the plurality (here, four) of operation handles 3. That is, here, as an example, two left and right light-emitting groups G1 are arranged to correspond to one operation handle 3.

[0117] Each light-emitting group G1 has a first light-emitting part 11 and a second light-emitting part 12. That is, the operating device 1 includes the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12. Each of the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 emits visible light. That is, each light-emitting group G1 constitutes a visible light-emitting unit. The light-emitting group G1 is housed inside the housing 2. In other words, the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 are housed inside the housing 2.

[0118] The first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 of each light-emitting group G1 are arranged adjacent to each other and vertically in the order of the second light-emitting part 12 and the first light-emitting part 11 from above.

[0119] Also, the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 of each light-emitting group G1 are arranged so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction (here, the vertical direction) of the (corresponding) housing-side opening 20 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). Therefore, it is easy to reduce the size of the operating device 1 in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the housing-side opening 20 (for example, the left-right direction).

[0120] Hereinafter, the left and right light-emitting groups G1 in the first row from the top may be referred to as the "first visible light part 10A", and the left and right light-emitting groups G1 in the second row from the top may be referred to as the "second visible light part 10B" (see FIG. 2). Also, the left and right light-emitting groups G1 in the third row from the top may be referred to as the "third visible light part 10C", and the left and right light-emitting groups G1 in the fourth row from the top may be referred to as the "fourth visible light part 10D" (see FIG. 2).

[0121] The first light emitting unit 11 may include one or more light emitting elements and a lens unit that covers the light emitting elements. The light emitting elements are, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements. The first light emitting unit 11 is, for example, a package-type LED module and is surface-mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface).

[0122] The second light emitting unit 12 may include one or more light emitting elements and a lens unit that covers the light emitting elements. The light emitting elements are, for example, LED elements. The second light emitting unit 12 is, for example, a package-type LED module and is surface-mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface).

[0123] The left and right first visible light parts 10A are arranged corresponding to the first operation handle 3A. Between the left and right first visible light parts 10A, a first switch 61 and a second switch 62 pressed by the first operation handle 3A are interposed. The right first visible light part 10A faces the right housing-side opening 20A and further faces the first opening 301 of the first operation handle 3A. Visible light from the right first visible light part 10A is led out to the outside through the first optical member 41 on the right side of the first operation handle 3A. The left first visible light part 10A faces the left housing-side opening 20A and further faces the second opening 302 of the first operation handle 3A. Visible light from the left first visible light part 10A is led out to the outside through the first optical member 41 on the left side of the first operation handle 3A.

[0124] The left and right second visible light parts 10B are arranged corresponding to the second operation handle 3B. Between the left and right second visible light parts 10B, a first switch 61 and a second switch 62 pressed by the second operation handle 3B are interposed. The right second visible light part 10B faces the right housing side opening 20B and further faces the first opening 301 of the second operation handle 3B. The visible light from the right second visible light part 10B is led out to the outside from the first optical member 41 on the right side of the second operation handle 3B. The left second visible light part 10B faces the left housing side opening 20B and further faces the second opening 302 of the second operation handle 3B. The visible light from the left second visible light part 10B is led out to the outside from the first optical member 41 on the left side of the second operation handle 3B.

[0125] The left and right third visible light parts 10C are arranged corresponding to the third operation handle 3C. Between the left and right third visible light parts 10C, a first switch 61 and a second switch 62 pressed by the third operation handle 3C are interposed. The right third visible light part 10C faces the right housing side opening 20C and further faces the first opening 301 of the third operation handle 3C. The visible light from the right third visible light part 10C is led out to the outside from the first optical member 41 on the right side of the third operation handle 3C. The left third visible light part 10C faces the left housing side opening 20C and further faces the second opening 302 of the third operation handle 3C. The visible light from the left third visible light part 10C is led out to the outside from the first optical member 41 on the left side of the third operation handle 3C.

[0126] The left and right fourth visible light units 10D are arranged corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D. Between the left and right fourth visible light units 10D, a first switch 61 and a second switch 62 pushed by the fourth operation handle 3D are interposed. The right fourth visible light unit 10D faces the right housing side opening 20D and further faces the first opening 301 of the fourth operation handle 3D. The visible light from the right fourth visible light unit 10D is led out to the outside from the first optical member 41 on the right side of the fourth operation handle 3D. The left fourth visible light unit 10D faces the left housing side opening 20D and further faces the second opening 302 of the fourth operation handle 3D. The visible light from the left fourth visible light unit 10D is led out to the outside from the first optical member 41 on the left side of the fourth operation handle 3D.

[0127] The two communication light emitting units X1 (see FIG. 5) emit light for communication. The light for communication is, for example, infrared light. The communication light emitting unit X1 is an infrared light emitting unit. However, the light for communication may also be visible light. Each communication light emitting unit X1 has an infrared light emitting diode as an infrared emitter. Each communication light emitting unit X1 is, for example, a package-type module and is surface-mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface). Here, the two communication light emitting units X1 are modules having the same structure as each other.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the two communication light emitting units X1 are arranged separately left and right at the lower part of the first mounting surface 7A so as to correspond to the fourth operation handle 3D.

[0129] Specifically, the right communication light emitting unit X1 is arranged adjacent to and under the first light emitting unit 11 of the right fourth visible light unit 10D, faces the right housing side opening 20D, and further faces the first opening 301 of the fourth operation handle 3D. The infrared light emitted from the right communication light emitting unit X1 is led out to the outside from the first optical member 41 on the right side of the fourth operation handle 3D.

[0130] The left communication light-emitting unit X1 is arranged adjacent to and below the first light-emitting unit 11 of the left fourth visible light unit 10D, faces the left housing-side opening 20D, and also faces the second opening 302 of the fourth operation handle 3D. The infrared light emitted from the left communication light-emitting unit X1 is led to the outside through the first optical member 41 on the left side of the fourth operation handle 3D.

[0131] Two communication light-receiving units Y1 (see FIG. 5) receive communication light. The communication light is, for example, infrared light. The communication light-receiving unit Y1 is an infrared light-receiving unit. However, the communication light may also be visible light. Each communication light-receiving unit Y1 includes an infrared light-receiving element and an optical lens unit that covers the infrared light-receiving element. Each communication light-receiving unit Y1 is, for example, a package-type module and is surface-mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface). Here, the two communication light-receiving units Y1 are modules having the same structure as each other. The infrared light-receiving element receives the infrared light condensed by the optical lens unit and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the two communication light-receiving units Y1 are arranged separately left and right at the lower part of the first mounting surface 7A so as to correspond to the fourth operation handle 3D.

[0133] Specifically, the right communication light-receiving unit Y1 is arranged adjacent to and above the second light-emitting unit 12 of the right fourth visible light unit 10D, faces the right housing-side opening 20D, and also faces the first opening 301 of the fourth operation handle 3D. The infrared light (infrared signal) sent from the setter 500 toward the first opening 301 of the fourth operation handle 3D passes through the first optical member 41 on the right side of the fourth operation handle 3D and is received by the right communication light-receiving unit Y1.

[0134] The light-receiving unit Y1 for communication on the left side is arranged adjacent to the second light-emitting unit 12 of the fourth visible light unit 10D on the left side, faces the housing-side opening 20D on the left side, and further faces the second opening 302 of the fourth operation handle 3D. The infrared light (infrared signal) sent from the setter 500 toward the second opening 302 of the fourth operation handle 3D passes through the first optical member 41 on the left side of the fourth operation handle 3D and is received by the light-receiving unit Y1 for communication on the left side.

[0135] In short, the light-receiving unit Y1 for communication on the right side, the second light-emitting unit 12 of the fourth visible light unit 10D on the right side, the first light-emitting unit 11, and the light-emitting unit X1 for communication on the right side are arranged in a row in the vertical direction in this order from top to bottom, and all of them face the housing-side opening 20D on the right side. In other words, the fourth visible light unit 10D on the right side is arranged so as to be interposed between the light-receiving unit Y1 for communication on the right side and the light-emitting unit X1 for communication on the right side.

[0136] Similarly, the light-receiving unit Y1 for communication on the left side, the second light-emitting unit 12 of the fourth visible light unit 10D on the left side, the first light-emitting unit 11, and the light-emitting unit X1 for communication on the left side are arranged in a row in the vertical direction in this order from top to bottom, and all of them face the housing-side opening 20D on the left side. In other words, the fourth visible light unit 10D on the left side is arranged so as to be interposed between the light-receiving unit Y1 for communication on the left side and the light-emitting unit X1 for communication on the left side.

[0137] (2-2-4) Mounting Frame The mounting frame 5 is a member to which the four operation handles 3 and the housing 2 are attached. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting frame 5 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having an opening 50 for accommodating the housing 2 at its central portion. The mounting frame 5 is made of, for example, metal. The mounting frame 5 has the same dimensions as the mounting frame for the three switches as described above. The mounting frame 5 has a plurality of mounting holes 51 (see FIG. 4) on which the eight mounting claws 216A of the housing 2 are hooked as described above. Note that the mounting frame 5 may not be a component of the operating device 1.

[0138] The mounting frame 5 can be screwed to a mounting member such as a switch box. That is, for example, a construction hole is formed in an object to be mounted such as a wall, and a mounting member such as an embedded switch box is disposed on the back side (inside the wall) of the object to be mounted. The operating device 1 is attached to the object to be mounted through the construction hole by screwing the mounting frame 5 to the mounting member.

[0139] (2-2-5) Quick-connect terminal block The quick-connect terminal block 8 is mounted on the second mounting surface 7B (back surface) of the substrate 7. The quick-connect terminal block 8 houses one or a plurality (here, four) of quick-connect terminals inside. The quick-connect terminal block 8 has four wire insertion holes 80 (see FIG. 6) for introducing four wires respectively wired from the switch box side to the four quick-connect terminals.

[0140] The back surface 22C of the case 22 (see FIG. 6) has a window hole for exposing the quick-connect terminal block 8 to the outside of the housing 2. The quick-connect terminal block 8 is inserted into the window hole of the case 22 in a state of being mounted on the substrate 7 and is exposed to the outside so as to protrude rearward from the back surface 22C.

[0141] (2-3) Setter The setter 500 has, for example, a microcomputer having a processor and a memory. Then, by the processor executing a program stored in the memory, the microcomputer functions as the setter 500. The program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the microcomputer here, but may be recorded and provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet.

[0142] The setter 500 (dedicated remote control) has an elongated cylindrical housing as shown in FIG. 16. The setter 500 is, for example, battery-driven. The setter 500 has a transmission button. As described above, the setter 500 wirelessly communicates with the operating device 1 using the infrared communication standard.

[0143] (2-4) Operation of the operating device Hereinafter, the operation of the operator 1 will be described separately as a first operation and a second operation.

[0144] [First Operation (Right Side Operation of the Operation Handle)] First, the first operation will be described when the user presses (operates) near the right end of the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) of any one of the four operation handles 3 (for example, the fourth operation handle 3D).

[0145] When the vicinity of the right end of the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) of the fourth operation handle 3D is pressed, the first switch 61 corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D is turned on. As a result, the operator 1 transmits an operation signal to the communication device 111 in response to the first switch 61 corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D being turned on (once). By the user performing a series of operations of pressing the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) to tilt the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) and then releasing the pressure so that the operation surface 31A (the surface 40) returns to its original state, the operation signal is transmitted once as "one-time on operation of the switch 6".

[0146] On the other hand, when the communication device 111 receives the operation signal, if the load L1 set for the above first switch 61 is in the second state (here, the off state), it performs control to switch the load L1 from the second state to the first state (here, the on state) in response to the reception of the operation signal. Also, when the communication device 111 receives the operation signal and the load L1 set for the above first switch 61 is in the first state, it performs control to switch the load L1 from the first state to the second state in response to the reception of the operation signal. Then, the communication device 111 returns a state signal regarding the state of the load L1 (after switching) to the operator 1 that is the transmission source of the operation signal.

[0147] The operator 1 receives a state signal regarding the state of the load L1 set for the first switch 61 corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D from the communication device 111.

[0148] When the state of the load L1 in the received state signal is the first state (on state), the operator 1 causes the first light-emitting unit 11 on the right side (corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D) to emit light (red light emission here).

[0149] On the other hand, when the state of the load L1 in the received state signal is the second state (off state), the operator 1 causes the second light-emitting unit 12 on the right side (corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D) to emit light (white light emission).

[0150] [Second operation (left-side operation of the operation handle)] Next, the second operation when the user presses (operates) near the left end of the operation surface 31A (surface 40) of any one of the four operation handles 3 (for example, the fourth operation handle 3D) will be described.

[0151] When the vicinity of the left end of the operation surface 31A (surface 40) of the fourth operation handle 3D is pressed, the second switch 62 corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D is turned on. As a result, the operator 1 transmits an operation signal to the communication device 111 in response to the second switch 62 corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D being turned on (once).

[0152] On the other hand, when the communication device 111 receives the operation signal, if the load L1 set in the second switch 62 is in the second state (off state here), it performs control to switch the load L1 from the second state to the first state (on state here) in response to the reception of the operation signal. Also, when the communication device 111 receives the operation signal and the load L1 set in the second switch 62 is in the first state, it performs control to switch the load L1 from the first state to the second state in response to the reception of the operation signal. Then, the communication device 111 returns a state signal regarding the state of the load L1 (after switching) to the operator 1 that is the transmission source of the operation signal.

[0153] The operator 1 receives a state signal regarding the state of the load L1 set in the second switch 62 corresponding to the fourth operation handle 3D from the communication device 111.

[0154] (2-5) Advantages In the operating device 1 as described above, depending on whether one end side or the other end side of the single operating handle 3 is pressed, one of the two different switches 6 is turned on, and the state of the load L1 set for the turned-on switch 6 can be individually switched.

[0155] (2-6) Another example of the housing-side opening By the way, in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 13A, the housing-side opening 20 is configured as a single opening. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 13C, the housing-side opening 20 may have a first opening 201 and a second opening 202. The first opening 201 may emit light of a specific color emitted from the first light-emitting unit 11. The second opening 202 may emit white light emitted from the second light-emitting unit 12. In the example of FIG. 13C, since the light of a specific color and the white light are emitted from separate openings (201, 202) respectively, the state of the load L1 can be visually judged more easily.

[0156] (Modification example) The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be variously modified according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Hereinafter, modification examples of the above embodiment are listed. The above embodiment, the modification examples described below, and between each modification example can be applied in appropriate combination.

[0157] The operating device 1, the control terminal device 9, the communication device 111, the setting device 500, etc. in the present disclosure include a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. By the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, functions as the operating device 1, the control terminal device 9, the communication device 111, the setting device 500, etc. in the present disclosure are realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunication line, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). Here, integrated circuits such as the IC or LSI mentioned here have different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, for an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit section inside the LSI, it can also be adopted as a processor. The one or more electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be provided distributed on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be provided distributed in a plurality of devices. The computer system mentioned here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0158] Moreover, it is not an essential configuration that the multiple functions in each of the operating device 1, the control terminal device 9, the communication device 111, the setting device 500, etc. are aggregated within one housing. The constituent elements of each of the operating device 1, the control terminal device 9, the communication device 111, the setting device 500, etc. may be provided distributed among a plurality of housings. Conversely, the multiple functions in each of the operating device 1, the control terminal device 9, the communication device 111, the setting device 500, etc. may be aggregated within one housing. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of each of the operating device 1, the control terminal device 9, the communication device 111, the setting device 500, etc. may be realized by a cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0159] The operation handle 3 may have a rotation axis on the back side opposite to the operation surface 31A, and the support portion 23 may have a holding portion that holds the rotation axis 230.

[0160] (Summary) As described above, the operating device (1) according to the first aspect includes a substrate (7), a housing (2), and an operation handle (3). A plurality of switches (6) are provided on the substrate (7). The housing (2) houses the substrate (7) and has a support portion (23) provided between two of the plurality of switches (6). The operation handle (3) is rotatably supported by the support portion (23). When one end of the operation surface (31A) of the operation handle (3) is pressed, the operation handle (3) presses one of the two switches (6). When the other end of the operation surface (31A) is pressed, the operation handle (3) presses the other of the two switches (6).

[0161] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to suppress the number of operating parts (the number of operation handles 3) with respect to the number of switches (6).

[0162] In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the support portion (23) has a rotation axis (230). The operation handle (3) has holding portions (313, 314) that hold the rotation axis (230) on the back side opposite to the operation surface (31A).

[0163] According to the above aspect, the operation handle (3) can be rotatably supported with a simple configuration of a rotating shaft (230) and holding portions (313, 314).

[0164] In a third aspect, in the first aspect, the operation handle (3) has a rotating shaft on the back surface opposite to the operation surface (31A). The support portion (23) has a holding portion that holds the rotating shaft (230).

[0165] According to the above aspect, the operation handle (3) can be rotatably supported with a simple configuration of a rotating shaft and a holding portion.

[0166] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the housing (2) has a plurality of pressing pieces (211) at positions corresponding to the plurality of switches (6) respectively. The operation handle (3) presses the operation target switch (6) via the pressing piece (211) corresponding to the operation target switch (6) among the plurality of switches (6).

[0167] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to adjust the pressing force of the operation handle (3) on the switch (6).

[0168] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operation handle (3) has a first opening (301) on one end side rather than one switch (6) and a second opening (302) on the other end side rather than the other switch (6) when viewed from the operation surface (31A) side. Light indicating the state of one switch (6) passes through the first opening (301). Light indicating the state of the other switch (6) passes through the second opening (302).

[0169] According to the above aspect, for example, when a light-emitting part that emits light indicating the state of the switch (6) is housed in the housing (2), the light of the light-emitting part can be emitted to the outside from the first opening (301) or the second opening (302) of the operation handle (3). Therefore, on the surface of the housing (2) where the operation handle (3) is arranged, there is no need to provide an opening for emitting the light of the light-emitting part to the outside at a part other than the operation handle (3). Thus, there is an advantage that the size of the operation handle (3) can be made larger on the surface of the housing (2) where the operation handle (3) is arranged, and the operability of the operation handle (3) can be improved.

[0170] In the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the operation handle (3) has a third opening (303) between the first opening (301) and the second opening (302).

[0171] According to the above aspect, for example, the nameplate (32) can be arranged in the third opening (303).

[0172] In the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the operation handle (3) has an optical member (4) having translucency or light-guiding property that covers the first opening (301), the second opening (302), and the third opening (303).

[0173] According to the above aspect, the optical member (4) can ensure translucency or light-guiding property while covering the first opening (301), the second opening (302), and the third opening (303).

[0174] In the eighth aspect, in the sixth aspect, the first opening (301) and the third opening (303) are spatially connected. The second opening (302) and the third opening (303) are spatially connected.

[0175] According to the above aspect, there is no need for a partition that partitions the first opening (301) and the third opening (303), and a partition that partitions the second opening (302) and the third opening (303).

[0176] In the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the operation handle (3) has a first locking portion (311) that locks to the housing (2) on the back side opposite to the operation surface (31A) and on one end side of one switch (6) when viewed from the operation surface (31A) side. The operation handle (3) has a second locking portion (312) that locks to the housing (2) on the back side opposite to the operation surface (31A) and on the other end side of the other switch (6) when viewed from the operation surface (31A) side.

[0177] According to the above aspect, the operation handle (3) can be locked to the housing (2).

[0178] In the tenth aspect, the communication system (110) includes the operating device (1) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects and a communication device (111) that communicates with the operating device (1).

[0179] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to suppress the number of operating parts (the number of operation handles 3) with respect to the number of switches (6).

[0180] In the eleventh aspect, the operating device main body includes a substrate (7) and a housing (2). A plurality of switches (6) are provided on the substrate (7). The housing (2) houses the substrate (7) and has a support portion (23) provided between two of the plurality of switches (6). The support portion (23) rotatably supports the operation handle (3). When one end of the operation surface (31A) of the operation handle (3) is pressed, the operation handle (3) presses one of the two switches (6). When the other end of the operation surface (31A) is pressed, the operation handle (3) presses the other of the two switches (6).

[0181] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to suppress the number of operating parts (the number of operation handles 3) with respect to the number of switches (6).

[0182] In the twelfth aspect, the operation handle (3) includes a handle body (31) rotatably supported by a support portion (23) of the operation device main body. The operation device main body has a substrate (7) and a housing (2). A plurality of switches (6) are provided on the substrate (7). The housing (2) houses the substrate (7) and has a support portion (23) provided between two of the plurality of switches (6). The handle body (31) has an operation surface (31A), and when an end portion on one end side of the operation surface (31A) is pressed, one of the two switches (6) is pressed. The handle body (31) presses the other of the two switches (6) when an end portion on the other end side of the operation surface (31A) is pressed.

[0183] According to the above aspect, it becomes easy to suppress the number of operation parts (the number of operation handles 3) with respect to the number of switches (6).

Explanation of Signs

[0184] 1 Operating device 110 Communication system 111 Communication device 2 Housing 211 Pressing piece 23 Support portion 230 Rotation axis 3 Operation handle 301 First opening 302 Second opening 303 Third opening 31 Handle body 311 First locking portion 312 Second locking portion 313 Holding portion 314 Holding portion 31A Operation surface 4 Optical member 6 Switch 7 Substrate

Claims

1. A substrate provided with a plurality of switches; A housing that houses the substrate and has a support portion provided between two of the plurality of switches; An operation handle rotatably supported by the support portion; Comprising: When one end of the operation surface of the operation handle is pressed, one of the two switches is pressed, and when the other end of the operation surface is pressed, the other of the two switches is pressed. An operating device.

2. The support portion has a rotation axis; The operation handle has a holding portion for holding the rotation axis on the back surface opposite to the operation surface. The operating device according to Claim 1.

3. The operation handle has a rotation axis on the back surface opposite to the operation surface; The support portion has a holding portion for holding the rotation axis. The operating device according to Claim 1.

4. The housing has a plurality of pressing pieces at positions corresponding to the plurality of switches respectively; The operation handle presses the switch to be operated through the pressing piece corresponding to the switch to be operated among the plurality of switches. The operating device according to Claim 1.

5. When viewed from the operation surface side, the operation handle: Has a first opening on the one end side rather than the one switch; Has a second opening on the other end side rather than the other switch; Light indicating the state of the one switch passes through the first opening; Light indicating the state of the other switch passes through the second opening. The operating device according to Claim 1.

6. The operation handle has a third opening between the first opening and the second opening. The operating device according to Claim 5.

7. The operation handle has an optical member having light transmissivity or light guiding property that covers the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening. The operating device according to Claim 6.

8. The first opening and the third opening are spatially connected; The second opening and the third opening are spatially connected. The operating device according to Claim 6.

9. When viewed from the operation surface side, on the back surface side opposite to the operation surface, the operation handle: Has a first locking portion that locks to the housing on the one end side rather than the one switch; Has a second locking portion that locks to the housing on the other end side rather than the other switch. The operating device according to Claim 1.

10. An operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a communication device that communicates with the operating device. A communication system.

11. A substrate provided with a plurality of switches, a housing that houses the substrate and has a support portion provided between two of the plurality of switches, comprising: the support portion rotatably supports an operation handle, when an end on one end side of an operation surface of the operation handle is pressed, one of the two switches is pressed, and when an end on the other end side of the operation surface is pressed, the other of the two switches is pressed. An operating device body.

12. An operating device body having a substrate provided with a plurality of switches and a housing that houses the substrate and has a support portion provided between two of the plurality of switches, and a handle body rotatably supported by the support portion of the operating device body, the handle body has an operation surface, when an end on one end side of the operation surface is pressed, one of the two switches is pressed, and when an end on the other end side of the operation surface is pressed, the other of the two switches is pressed. An operation handle.

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