Load Control Device

Abstract

To provide a controller capable of allowing a user to easily adjust the lighting.SOLUTION: The controller controls the lighting. The controller includes a touch sensor 24 and a control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured so as to, when a motion measured by the touch sensor 24 is a first motion, execute first control, and when the motion measured by the touch sensor 24 is a second motion different from the first motion, execute second control, and when the motion measured by the touch sensor 24 is a third motion different from the first and second motions, execute third control. The first motion copes with a slide operation, a swipe operation, or a flick operation. The second motion copes with long tap operation. The third motion copes with a tap operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides load Control load Regarding the control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch device including an operation unit and a switch main body. The operation unit includes a touch sensor unit with three operation areas (upper operation area, middle operation area, and lower operation area) aligned vertically. A control unit turns on or off a switch element that turns on or off power supply from an external power source to a lighting load in response to the detection result of the touch sensor unit. In particular, when the middle operation area is touched, the control unit turns on (or off) the switch element to turn on (or off) the lighting load. When the upper operation area is touched while the lighting load is on, the control unit phase-controls the switch element to increase the dimming level of the lighting load. When the lower operation area is touched while the lighting load is on, the control unit phase-controls the switch element to decrease the dimming level of the lighting load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-187920 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the switch device (load control device) of Patent Document 1, the dimming level of the lighting load (the operation level of the load) can be changed by touching the upper operation area or the lower operation area. However, in Patent Document 1, when the upper operation area or the lower operation area is touched, the control unit changes the phase angle by only one step. Therefore, in order to adjust the operation level of the load to a desired value, it may be necessary to touch the upper operation area or the lower operation area multiple times.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to load The operator can easily adjust load The object of the present invention is to provide a control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A load control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that turns on or off a lighting load if the action measured by a touch sensor that measures an action on a rectangular operation surface is a first touch action, and performs a dimming process different from turning on or off the lighting load if the action measured by the touch sensor is a second touch action different from the first touch action, an alarm unit, and a display unit having multiple light sources. The operation surface includes a first operation area located at the center of the operation surface in the longitudinal direction, and a second operation area and a third operation area located on both sides of the operation surface in the longitudinal direction. The first touch action is the action of tapping on the first operation area, and the second touch action is the action of tapping on the second operation area or the third operation area. The multiple light sources are provided in the second operation area and the third operation area along the longitudinal direction of the operation surface. The alarm unit generates a first alarm sound in response to the first touch action, and the alarm unit notifies the lighting load of a dimming process different from turning on or off the lighting load. operation When the level reaches the upper or lower limit, a second informative sound different from the first informative sound is generated. If the operation level of the lighting load is no longer at either the upper limit or the lower limit before the second alarm sound generated by the alarm unit is completed, the alarm unit stops the second alarm sound that has been generated. A load control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a load control device installed in a building material and controlling a lighting load, and includes a touch sensor that measures an operation on an operation surface by an operator, a control unit that turns on or off the lighting load if the operation measured by the touch sensor is a first touch operation, and performs processing different from turning on or off the lighting load if the operation measured by the touch sensor is a second touch operation different from the first touch operation, and an alarm unit that converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal. To make When the operation measured by the touch sensor is the second touch operation, the control unit controls the lighting load to be dimmed. operationWhen the level reaches the upper limit or the lower limit, the notification unit generates a notification sound. operation When the level is no longer at either the upper limit or the lower limit, the notification unit stops the generated notification sound. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides load This provides the effect that the operator can easily adjust the [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit configuration of a load control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the load control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the load control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of the operation unit of the load control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded rear perspective view of the operating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the operation unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the operation unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1. Embodiment 1.1 Configuration FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of a load control device (load control switch) 10 of this embodiment. The load control device 10 controls a load 60 using power from an AC power supply 50. In particular, the load control device 10 has a function of adjusting the operation level of the load 60. In this embodiment, the AC power supply 50 is a commercial AC power supply (e.g., single-phase 100 V, 60 Hz). The load 60 is a lighting load, and includes, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) elements and a power supply circuit that lights up the plurality of LED elements. In this embodiment, the operation level of the load 60 is a dimming level corresponding to the light output (brightness) of the load 60.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the load control device 10 includes an operation unit 20, a control unit 30, and a mounting frame 40.

[0011] The mounting frame 40 is used to install the load control device 10 on a construction material (e.g., a wall of a building). As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting frame 40 is a rectangular frame with a rectangular opening 41. The mounting frame 40 includes a pair of elongated side pieces 42, 42 that are parallel to each other, and a pair of mounting pieces 43, 43 that connect the ends of the pair of side pieces 42, 42. Each of the pair of side pieces 42, 42 has a pair of mounting holes 420, 420 aligned in the longitudinal center of the side piece. The mounting holes 420 are used to attach the control unit 30 to the mounting frame 40. The mounting frame 40 is fixed to the construction material using the pair of mounting pieces 43, 43. Thus, the mounting frame 40 allows the load control device 10 to be installed on the construction material.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation unit 20 includes a circuit block 21 and a main body 22 that houses the circuit block 21.

[0013] The circuit block 21 has a substrate 23. The substrate 23 is a rectangular printed wiring board. The substrate 23 has protrusions 230, 230 on both sides in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 4). The protrusions 230, 230 are not aligned in a straight line in the width direction of the substrate 23. The substrate 23 also has through holes 231, 231 that penetrate the protrusions 230, 230, respectively, in the thickness direction.

[0014] The circuit block 21 has a touch sensor 24 and a display unit 25 (see FIG. 1). The touch sensor 24 is used to measure (detect) the operator's actions on an operation surface 200 (see FIG. 2) set in the operation unit 20. The touch sensor 24 detects and outputs the position on the operation surface 200 touched by the operator. The touch sensor 24 is mounted on a first surface (the front surface in this embodiment) in the thickness direction of the substrate 23. However, the touch sensor 24 is omitted in FIG. 4. The touch sensor 24 may be a conventionally known touch sensor, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The display unit 25 is used to display a display indicating the operation level of the load 60 on the operation surface 200. The display unit 25 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255 (five in this embodiment). The five light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255 are, for example, light-emitting diodes. 4, the five light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255 are mounted on a first surface (front surface in this embodiment) in the thickness direction of the substrate 23. In particular, the five light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255 are arranged in a straight line along the length direction in the center of the width direction of the substrate 23. Furthermore, the five light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255 are lined up in this order from one end (lower end in FIG. 4) to the other end (upper end in FIG. 4) in the length direction of the substrate 23.

[0015] The circuit block 21 has a connector 26 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The connector 26 is used to electrically connect the operation unit 20 and the control unit 30. More specifically, the connector 26 is used to transmit an output signal from the touch sensor 24 to the control unit 30. The connector 26 is also used to transmit a control signal from the control unit 30 to the display unit 25. The connector 26 is also used to supply power from the control unit 30 to the operation unit 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 26 is mounted on a second surface (the rear surface in this embodiment) in the thickness direction of the substrate 23.

[0016] 4 to 7, the main body 22 is in the form of a plate. More specifically, the main body 22 is in the form of a rectangular plate. The main body 22 includes a first panel 27 and a second panel .

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first panel 27 has a rectangular plate shape. The first panel 27 has a first surface (front surface in this embodiment) 27a and a second surface (rear surface in this embodiment) 27b in the thickness direction. In the operation unit 20, an operation surface 200 is provided on the first surface 27a, as shown in FIG. 6. The first panel 27 has a first portion 270 and a second portion 271. The first portion 270 and the second portion 271 have the same rectangular plate shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 overlap each other so that their thickness directions match. Here, the first surface 27a is the surface of the first portion 270 opposite to the second portion 271 (the left surface in FIG. 8), and the second surface 27b is the surface of the second portion 271 opposite to the first portion 270 (the right surface in FIG. 8). The first portion 270 is formed of a light-transmitting material, and the second portion 271 is formed of an opaque material. For example, the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 may be formed of an acrylic resin, but a pigment is mixed into the acrylic resin used for the second portion 271 to the extent that it becomes opaque. Thus, the first panel 27 has the first portion 270 formed of a light-transmitting material and having the first surface 27a, and the second portion 271 formed of an opaque material and having the second surface 27b. This makes it difficult to see the multiple light-emitting elements 251 to 255 of the display unit 25 housed in the main body 22 from the first surface 27a side, and also makes it easier for the first panel 27 to transmit light from the light-emitting elements 251 to 255. In this embodiment, the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 are integrally formed by two-color molding. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the first panel 27 compared to when the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 are formed separately and then the first portion 270 is joined to the second portion 271. Furthermore, the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 appear to be integrated, improving the appearance of the first panel 27.

[0018] 5, the first panel 27 has a peripheral wall portion 272. The peripheral wall portion 272 is formed on the outer periphery of the second surface 27b so as to surround the substrate 23. The peripheral wall portion 272 has cutouts 273, 273 at positions corresponding to the pair of protruding pieces 230, 230 of the substrate 23.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the first panel 27 has multiple (seven in this embodiment) protrusions 274a-274g for connecting the first panel 27 and the second panel 28. Each of the seven protrusions 274a-274g includes a protruding piece 2741 that protrudes from the second surface 27b toward the second panel 28 and a locking piece 2742 that protrudes outward from the tip of the protruding piece 2741. The protrusions 274a, 274b, and 274c are aligned along the length of the second surface 27b of the first panel 27 at a first widthwise end (the right end in FIG. 5). The protrusions 274d, 274e, and 274f are aligned along the length of the second widthwise end (the left end in FIG. 5) of the second surface 27b of the first panel 27. The protrusion 274g is provided at one lengthwise end of the second surface 27b of the first panel 27 (the upper end in FIG. 5).

[0020] In the first panel 27, the peripheral wall portion 272 and the plurality of protrusions 274a to 274g are formed integrally with the second portion 271 using the same material as the second portion 271.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 5, the first panel 27 has a plurality of (five in this embodiment) holes 275a to 275e. The five holes 275a to 275e are formed on the second surface 27b at positions facing (corresponding to) the five light-emitting elements 251 to 255 of the display unit 25, respectively. The five holes 275a to 275e are lined up in this order from the first end (the lower end in Fig. 5) to the second end (the upper end in Fig. 5) in the length direction of the first panel 27. As shown in Fig. 8, the holes 275a to 275e do not penetrate the second portion 271. The depth of each of the holes 275a to 275e is set so that the bottom of the holes 275a to 275e in the second portion 271 can transmit light from the light-emitting elements 251 to 255. In the first panel 27, the areas between the bottom surfaces of the plurality of holes 275a to 275e and the first surface 27a form a plurality of (five in this embodiment) light guiding sections 276a to 276e that transmit light from the plurality of light emitting elements 251 to 255, respectively. This allows the operation level of the load 60 to be displayed on the operation surface 200. The light guiding sections 276a to 276e are the areas with the highest light transmittance in the first panel 27. Because the light emitting elements 251 to 255 are covered by the light guiding sections 276a to 276e, the light emitting elements 251 to 255 themselves are difficult to see from the first surface 27a side of the first panel 27. This improves the appearance of the operation unit 20. In particular, the five light guiding sections 276a to 276e transmit light from the five light emitting elements 251 to 255, respectively. 8, the holes 275a to 275e do not penetrate the second portion 271 made of an opaque material, and therefore the light emitting elements 251 to 255 themselves are less visible from the first surface 27a side of the first panel 27. This further improves the appearance of the operation unit 20.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 8, the second panel 28 is used to hold the touch sensor 24 (circuit block 21) between itself and the second surface 27b of the first panel 27. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second panel 28 has a plate portion 280 and a side wall portion 281. The plate portion 280 is rectangular and has a first surface (front surface in this embodiment) 280a and a second surface (rear surface in this embodiment) 280b in the thickness direction. The side wall portion 281 is formed to surround the plate portion 280. The circuit block 21 is housed in a space surrounded by the first surface 280a of the plate portion 280 and the side wall portion 281.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4 , the second panel 28 has a pair of positioning protrusions 282, 282. The pair of positioning protrusions 282, 282 is used to position the substrate 23 (circuit block 21) relative to the second panel 28 (main body portion 22). The pair of positioning protrusions 282, 282 is formed on the first surface 280a of the plate portion 280 at locations corresponding to the pair of through holes 231 of the substrate 23. The tip portion of each positioning protrusion 282 has a tapered shape (a quadrangular pyramid shape in this embodiment). This makes it easy to insert the positioning protrusions 282 into the through holes 231. However, the more the positioning protrusions 282 are inserted into the through holes 231, the more space the positioning protrusions 282 occupy in the through holes 231. Therefore, by inserting the pair of positioning protrusions 282, 282 into the pair of through holes 231, the substrate 23 can be positioned relative to the second panel 28.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second panel 28 has an insertion hole 283. The insertion hole 283 is provided to expose the connector 26 of the circuit block 21. The insertion hole 283 is formed in a position on the plate portion 280 corresponding to the connector 26, so as to penetrate the plate portion 280 in its thickness direction. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second panel 28 also has a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) voids 284a to 284g for connecting the first panel 27 and the second panel 28. Each of the plurality of voids 284a to 284g is formed so that a corresponding protrusion from among the plurality of protrusions 274a to 274g fits into it. The seven voids 284a to 284g are formed in the plate portion 280 at positions corresponding to the seven protrusions 274a to 274g, and are through-holes that penetrate the plate portion 280 in its thickness direction. When the seven protrusions 274a to 274g are inserted into the seven voids 284a to 284g from the first surface 280a side of the plate portion 280, the locking pieces 2742 of the seven protrusions 274a to 274g pass through the seven voids 284a to 284g. As a result, as shown in Fig. 7, the locking pieces 2742 of the seven protrusions 274a to 274g come into contact with the edges of the seven voids 284a to 284g on the second surface 280b of the plate portion 280. In this way, the protrusions 274a to 274g fit into the voids 284a to 284g, and the first panel 27 and the second panel 28 are joined to each other.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the second panel 28 has a pair of mounting pieces 285. The pair of mounting pieces 285 is used to mount the operation unit 20 to the control unit 30. Each of the pair of mounting pieces 285 has a leg piece 2851 that protrudes from the second surface 280b toward the control unit 30 and a protrusion 2852 that protrudes inward from the tip of the leg piece 2851. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4 , the second panel 28 has a plurality of pressing portions 286 (13 in this embodiment). The pressing portions 286 are provided to press the substrate 23 of the circuit block 21 toward the first panel 27 when the circuit block 21 is housed in the main body 22. This prevents the circuit block 21 from rattling in the thickness direction of the main body 22 when the circuit block 21 is housed in the main body 22.

[0026] In the second panel 28, the plate portion 280, the side wall portion 281, the pair of positioning protrusions 282, 282, the pair of mounting pieces 285, 285, and the plurality of pressing portions 286 are integrally formed from the same material.

[0027] In the operation unit 20, the circuit block 21 is accommodated in the main body 22 as follows. First, the circuit block 21 is placed on the first surface 280a of the second panel 28 with the second surface of the substrate 23 facing the first surface 280a of the second panel 28. At this time, the connector 26 is inserted into the insertion hole 283, and the pair of positioning protrusions 282 are also inserted into the through holes 231 of the pair of protruding pieces 230, respectively. After this, the first panel 27 is placed so that its second surface 27b faces the first surface of the substrate 23 of the circuit block 21. Then, the seven protrusions 274a to 274g of the first panel 27 are fitted into the seven voids 284a to 284g of the second panel 28, respectively. This joins the first panel 27 and the second panel 28 together, and the circuit block 21 is held between the first panel 27 and the second panel 28, as shown in FIG. 8 . Therefore, the operation unit 20 can be easily assembled.

[0028] 1, the control unit 30 includes a pair of input terminals 31, 31, a switch unit 32, a processing circuit 33, an input unit 34, and a notification unit 35. The control unit 30 also includes a housing 36, as shown in FIGS.

[0029] The housing 36 houses the pair of input terminals 31, 31, the switch unit 32, the processing circuit 33, the input unit 34, and the notification unit 35. The housing 36 is shaped like a rectangular box. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 36 has an insertion hole 360. The insertion hole 360 ​​is a hole for inserting the connector 26 of the operation unit 20 into the housing 36. The insertion hole 360 ​​is provided at a position corresponding to the connector 26 on the surface facing the operation unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as the front surface). The housing 36 also has a pair of recesses 361, 361 as shown in FIG. 3. The pair of recesses 361, 361 are used to attach the operation unit 20 to the control unit 30. Each recess 361 has an engagement hole 362 into which the protrusion 2852 of the attachment piece 285 fits. Therefore, the operation unit 20 is attached to the front surface of the control unit 30 by fitting the protrusions 2852 of the pair of mounting pieces 285 of the operation unit 20 into the locking holes 362 of the pair of recesses 361. The housing 36 also has two pairs of mounting claws 363. The two pairs of mounting claws 363 are used to attach the control unit 30 to the mounting frame 40. The two pairs of mounting claws 363 are provided on both side surfaces of the housing 36. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit 30 is attached to the mounting frame 40 by inserting the control unit 30 into the opening 41 of the mounting frame 40 and fitting the two pairs of mounting claws 363 into pairs of mounting holes 420 of a pair of side pieces 42 of the mounting frame 40. The housing 36 also has a plurality of operation pieces 364 (four in this embodiment) on the front surface. The plurality of operation pieces 364 are used to operate the input unit 34 housed in the housing 36 .

[0030] The pair of input terminals 31, 31 are used to connect the control unit 30 to the AC power supply 50 and the load 60. The pair of input terminals 31, 31 are well-known terminals such as quick-connect terminals and screw terminals.

[0031] The switch unit 32 is used to control the load 60. The switch unit 32 is connected between a pair of input terminals 31, 31. The load control device 10 is of a two-wire type and is electrically connected between the AC power supply 50 and the load 60 so that the switch unit 32 and the load 60 are electrically connected in series with the AC power supply 50. The switch unit 32 is a bidirectional switch. When the switch unit 32 is in a conductive state (on state), an AC voltage from the AC power supply 50 is applied to the load 60. When the switch unit 32 is in a non-conductive state (off state), the AC voltage from the AC power supply 50 is applied to the processing circuit 33 via the pair of input terminals 31, 31.

[0032] The input unit 34 is used to set the control content in the processing circuit 33 of the load control device 10. The input unit 34 is electrically connected to the processing circuit 33. The input unit 34 outputs a signal according to the input content to the processing circuit 33. The input unit 34 includes, for example, a plurality of switches (e.g., tactile switches) corresponding to the plurality of operation pieces 364 of the housing 36, respectively.

[0033] The notification unit 35 is used to notify that a predetermined event has occurred. The notification unit 35 is electrically connected to the processing circuit 33. The notification unit 35 is an electro-acoustic transducer, for example, a buzzer that generates a beep sound.

[0034] The processing circuit 33 is configured to control, for example, the switch unit 32, the display unit 25, and the notification unit 35. The processing circuit 33 also generates power required for its operation from an AC voltage applied via a pair of input terminals 31, 31. The processing circuit 33 is configured, for example, by an electric circuit including a microcontroller equipped with a memory and a microprocessor.

[0035] The processing circuit 33 has a function of switching the load 60 between an on state and an off state. The processing circuit 33 turns the load 60 off by maintaining the switch unit 2 in a non-conductive state. On the other hand, the processing circuit 33 turns the load 60 on by periodically turning the switch unit 2 on. More specifically, the processing circuit 33 uses the switch unit 32 to perform phase control of the AC voltage supplied from the AC power supply 50 to the load 60. "Phase control" here refers to a method of controlling the AC voltage supplied (applied) to the load 60 by changing the phase angle (conduction angle) at which current supply to the load 60 starts or ends every half cycle of the AC voltage.

[0036] The processing circuit 33 has a function of adjusting the operating level of the load 60 when the load 60 is in an on state. That is, the processing circuit 33 has a function of adjusting the magnitude of the optical output of the load 60 by phase control of the AC voltage of the AC power supply 50. More specifically, the processing circuit 33 is configured to adjust the operating level of the load 60 by adjusting the time (conduction time) during which the switch unit 2 is in a conductive state. For example, the optical output of the load 60 is set to 128 levels. In this case, the processing circuit 33 selects an operating level corresponding to the optical output of the load 60 from a range of 1 to 128. Here, the operating level is set to be proportional to the optical output of the load 60. The processing circuit 33 also has a function of setting a lower limit of the operating level of the load 60. Once the lower limit of the operating level of the load 60 is set, the processing circuit 33 is configured not to select an operating level below the lower limit. The processing circuit 33 is configured to set the lower limit of the load 60 in response to an input from the input unit 34. For example, if the lower limit value of the load 60 is set to 6, the processing circuit 33 selects the operation level of the load from a range of 6 to 128. The lower limit value of the operation level of the load 60 is preferably set based on whether the load 60 operates stably. In this embodiment, since the load 60 is a lighting load, the lower limit value is set based on whether the load 60 lights up stably.

[0037] The processing circuit 33 is configured to perform control according to the operator's action on the operation surface 200 measured by the touch sensor 24. More specifically, the processing circuit 33 is configured to determine which of a plurality of different actions (first to third actions) set in advance corresponds to the action measured by the touch sensor 24, and to execute control corresponding to the determined action.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the operation surface 200 is set on the first surface 27a of the operation unit 20. The operation surface 200 covers the entire surface of the first surface 27a. A coordinate axis X is set on the operation surface 200 along the operation surface 200. The coordinate axis X is parallel to the length direction of the first panel 27 (the vertical direction in FIG. 6). The positive direction of the coordinate axis X is the direction from the first end (the lower end in FIG. 6) to the second end (the upper end in FIG. 6) in the length direction of the first panel 27. The negative direction of the coordinate axis X is the direction from the second end (the upper end in FIG. 6) to the first end (the lower end in FIG. 6) in the length direction of the first panel 27. The operation surface 200 includes three operation areas (first to third operation areas) 201, 202, and 203. The first operation area 201 corresponds to the central area of ​​the first surface 27a. First operation area 201 is square-shaped with light guide unit 276c at its center and does not overlap with light guide units 276a, 276b, 276d, and 276e other than light guide unit 276c. Second operation area 202 corresponds to the area between the center and the second edge (the upper edge in FIG. 6 ) of first surface 27a of first panel 27, excluding the area corresponding to first operation area 201. Second operation area 202 includes light guide units 276d and 276e. Third operation area 203 corresponds to the area between the center and the first edge (the lower edge in FIG. 6 ) of first surface 27a of first panel 27, excluding the area corresponding to first operation area 201. Third operation area 203 includes light guide units 276a and 276b. Note that, although light-emitting elements 251 to 255 are shown by dashed lines in FIG. 6 , this indicates that they are not actually visible.

[0039] The processing circuit 33 is configured to execute a first control if the movement measured by the touch sensor 24 is a first movement. The first control is a control that changes the movement level of the load 60.

[0040] The first action includes an action (displacement action) in which the operator moves the contact position on the operation surface 200 along the coordinate axis X set along the operation surface 200. The displacement action corresponds to a so-called slide action, a swipe action, or a flick action. Therefore, the action level of the load 60 can be changed by an intuitive action. The processing circuit 33 is configured to execute displacement control as the first control if the action measured by the touch sensor 24 is a displacement action. In the displacement control, the processing circuit 33 is configured to change the action level of the load 60 according to the distance (movement distance) between the position (initial position) before the movement of the contact position on the coordinate axis X and the position (final position) after the movement. The movement distance is the distance between the initial position and the final position and does not necessarily coincide with the distance of the path from the initial position to the final position. In other words, the change in the action level of the load 60 is determined by the movement distance between the initial position and the final position, regardless of the path between the initial position and the final position. This makes it easier to adjust the action level of the load 60. If the coordinate of the final position on the coordinate axis X is greater than that of the initial position, the processing circuit 33 increases the operation level of the load 60 according to the movement distance. If the coordinate of the final position on the coordinate axis X is smaller than that of the initial position, the processing circuit 33 decreases the operation level of the load 60 according to the movement distance. In displacement control (first control), the unit of change in the operation level of the load 60 is 1. If the upper limit value of the operation level of the load 60 is UL and the lower limit value is LL, in displacement control, the operation level of the load 60 is "UL-LL+1" steps. For example, if UL is 128 and LL is 1, the operation level of the load 60 is selected from the range of 1 to 128. Here, if the maximum movement distance is D, the upper limit value of the operation level of the load 60 is UL, and the lower limit value is LL, the distance d required to change the operation level by 1 is expressed as {D / (UL-LL+1)}. Therefore, the amount of change in the operation level is determined by the movement distance and the distance d. The maximum value D of the movement distance is set to the distance between the first end and the second end of the first panel 27 (the length of the first panel 27).

[0041] The first action includes an action (non-displacement action) in which the operator touches a predetermined contact area (first contact area) on the operation surface 200 for a predetermined period (first predetermined period) without moving the contact position on the contact area. The first contact area includes the second operation area 202 and the third operation area 203 on the operation surface 200. The first predetermined period is longer than the specified time. The specified time is a relatively short time, for example, 0.5 seconds. The non-displacement action corresponds to a so-called long press action or a long tap action. The processing circuit 33 is configured to execute non-displacement control as the first control if the action measured by the touch sensor 24 is a non-displacement action. The non-displacement control is a control that changes the operation level of the load 60, similar to the displacement control. In the non-displacement control, the processing circuit 33 is configured to change the operation level of the load 60 depending on the length of the first predetermined period. Here, if the first contact area is the second operation area 202, the processing circuit 33 increases the operation level of the load 60 depending on the length of the first predetermined period. If the first contact area is the third operation area 203, the processing circuit 33 reduces the behavior level of the load 60 according to the length of the first predetermined period. In non-displacement control, as in displacement control, the minimum value of change in the behavior level of the load 60 is 1. Here, if the maximum value of the first predetermined period is T, the upper limit value of the behavior level of the load 60 is UL, and the lower limit value is LL, the time t required to change the behavior level by 1 is expressed as {T / (UL-LL+1)}. Therefore, the amount of change in the behavior level is determined by the first predetermined period and the time t. Note that the maximum value T of the first predetermined period is set to approximately 3 to 5 seconds in consideration of operability.

[0042] The processing circuit 33 is configured to execute a second control if the action measured by the touch sensor 24 is a second action. The second action includes an action in which the operator touches a predetermined contact area (second contact area) on the operation surface 200 for a predetermined period (second predetermined period) without moving the contact position on the predetermined contact area (second contact area). The second action does not strictly require that the contact position not move; some movement of the contact position may be permitted in consideration of operability. The second contact area includes the second operation area 202 and the third operation area 203 on the operation surface 200. The second predetermined period is shorter than the specified time. As described above, the specified time is a relatively short time, e.g., 0.5 seconds. The second action corresponds to a so-called tap operation. This makes it easier to distinguish between the first action and the second action, thereby reducing the possibility of erroneous operation of the load control device 10. If the second contact area is the second operation area 202, the processing circuit 33 increases the operation level of the load 60. If the second contact area is the third operation area 203, the processing circuit 33 decreases the operation level of the load 60. The second control is a control that changes the operation level of the load, similar to the first control (displacement control, non-displacement control). However, the second control changes the operation level of the load 60 in units larger than the first control. For example, in the second control, the minimum change in the operation level of the load 60 is 6. However, depending on the settings of the upper and lower limit values ​​of the operation level, the unit of change in the operation level may not be 6. In the second control, if the number of stages of the operation level of the load 60 is N (N is an integer), then N≈(UL-LL+1) / 6. For example, if UL is 128 and LL is 1, the operation level of the load 60 will have 22 stages. In this case, the operating level of the load 60 is selected from 1, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37, 43, 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 79, 85, 91, 97, 103, 109, 115, 121, and 128.

[0043] The processing circuit 33 is configured to execute a third control if the action measured by the touch sensor 24 is a third action. The third action includes an action in which the operator touches a predetermined contact area (third contact area) of the operation surface 200 for a predetermined period (third predetermined period) without moving the contact position with the predetermined contact area (third contact area). The third action does not strictly require that the contact position not move, and some movement of the contact position may be permitted in consideration of operability. The third contact area includes the first operation area 201 of the operation surface 200 and the entire area of ​​the operation surface 200 (first to third operation areas 201 to 203). The processing circuit 33 determines that the operator has touched the entire area of ​​the operation surface 200 when the operator simultaneously touches two or more of the first to third operation areas 201 to 203. The third predetermined period is shorter than the specified time. As described above, the specified time is a relatively short time, e.g., 0.5 seconds. The third operation corresponds to a so-called tap operation. If the third contact area is the first operation area 201 or the entire area of ​​the operation surface 200, the processing circuit 33 switches the load 60 between an on state and an off state. When switching the load 60 from an off state to an on state, the processing circuit 33 sets the operation level of the load 60 to an initial value. The initial value is, for example, a value midway between an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the operation level. The initial value may be a value corresponding to the operation level of the load 60 when switching the load 60 from an on state to an off state.

[0044] The processing circuit 33 is configured to cause the display unit 25 to display a current operation level of the load 60. This allows the operator to understand the operation level of the load 60 from the display unit 25. The display unit 25 has a plurality of (five) light-emitting elements 251 to 255. The processing circuit 33 determines the number of light-emitting elements 251 to 255 to light up depending on the current operation level of the load 60. The processing circuit 33 controls the display unit 25 so that, as the current operation level of the load 60 increases, the plurality of light-emitting elements 251 to 255 light up in sequence along the coordinate axis X from the first end to the second end of the operation surface 200 (in this embodiment, from the first end to the second end of the first panel 27). Furthermore, the processing circuit 33 controls the display unit 25 so that, as the current operation level of the load 60 decreases, the plurality of light-emitting elements 251 to 255 light up in sequence along the coordinate axis X from the second end to the first end of the operation surface 200 (in this embodiment, from the second end to the first end of the first panel 27). Here, the direction in which the plurality of light-emitting elements 251 to 255 of the display unit 25 are arranged is the same as the direction in which the contact position is moved in the first operation. Therefore, the operator can associate the display content of the display unit 25 with the first operation, which facilitates the task of changing the operation level. More specifically, the processing circuit 33 sets the display unit 25 to one of the first to fifth states depending on the current operation level of the load 60. The first state is a state in which the light-emitting element 251 is turned on and the light-emitting elements 252 to 255 are turned off. The second state is a state in which the light-emitting elements 251 and 252 are turned on and the light-emitting elements 253 to 255 are turned off. The third state is a state in which the light-emitting elements 251 to 253 are turned on and the light-emitting elements 254 and 255 are turned off. The fourth state is a state in which the light-emitting elements 251 to 254 are turned on and the light-emitting element 255 is turned off. The fifth state is a state in which all the light-emitting elements 251 to 255 are turned on.

[0045] The processing circuit 33 classifies the operation levels of the load 60 into five groups corresponding to the first to fifth states. The number of operation levels belonging to one group is calculated by (UL-LL+1) / N, where N is the number of light-emitting elements. For example, if the upper limit UL is 128, the lower limit LL is 1, and the number N of light-emitting elements is 5, the number of operation levels belonging to one group is set to 26. For example, operation levels 1 (lower limit) to 27 are associated with the first state, and operation levels 28 to 53 are associated with the second state. Operation levels 54 to 79 are associated with the third state, and operation levels 80 to 105 are associated with the fourth state. Operation levels 106 to 128 (upper limit) are associated with the fifth state. Here, if the lower limit LL is set to 14, the number of operation levels belonging to one group is set to 23. In this case, operation levels 14 (lower limit) to 37 are associated with the first state, and operation levels 38 to 60 are associated with the second state. The operation levels 61 to 83 correspond to the third state, the operation levels 84 to 106 correspond to the fourth state, and the operation levels 107 to 128 (upper limit) correspond to the fifth state.

[0046] In this way, the processing circuit 33 is configured to cause the display unit 25 to display the relative value of the current operating level of the load 60 with respect to the range between the upper and lower limits of the operating level of the load 60. On the other hand, when the processing circuit 33 causes the display unit 25 to display the absolute value of the current operating level of the load 60, the display unit 25 may not enter the first state even when the operating level is at the lower limit. In this case, the operator may mistakenly determine that the operating level is not at the lower limit. Therefore, the processing circuit 33 causes the display unit 25 to display the relative value of the current operating level of the load 60 with respect to the range between the upper and lower limits of the operating level of the load 60. This allows the display unit 25 to properly display the operating level even when the upper and lower limits are changed. Note that when the load 60 is in the off state, the processing circuit 33 turns off all five light-emitting elements 251 to 255 of the display unit 25.

[0047] The processing circuit 33 is configured to, when a predetermined event occurs, control the alarm unit 35 to notify the occurrence of the predetermined event. The predetermined event includes, for example, first to fourth events. The first event is when the load 60 changes from an off state to an on state. When the processing circuit 33 determines that the first event has occurred, it controls the alarm unit 35 to emit an alarm sound (e.g., a beep) a first specified number of times (e.g., once). The second event is when the load 60 changes from an on state to an off state. When the processing circuit 33 determines that the second event has occurred, it controls the alarm unit 35 to emit an alarm sound (e.g., a beep) a second specified number of times (e.g., once). The third event is when the operation level of the load 60 reaches an upper limit. When the processing circuit 33 determines that the third event has occurred, it controls the alarm unit 35 to emit an alarm sound (e.g., a beep) a third specified number of times (e.g., three times). Here, if the activity level is no longer at the upper limit before the number of times the alert sound has been emitted reaches a third specified number, the processing circuit 33 stops emitting the alert sound. For example, if the activity level is no longer at the upper limit after emitting the alert sound once, the processing circuit 33 stops emitting the alert sound. This prevents the alert indicating that the activity level is at the upper limit from being continued even though the activity level is no longer at the upper limit. The fourth event is when the activity level of the load 60 reaches the lower limit. When the processing circuit 33 determines that the fourth event has occurred, it controls the alert unit 35 to emit an alert sound (e.g., a beep) a fourth specified number of times (e.g., three times). Here, if the activity level is no longer at the lower limit before the number of times the alert sound has been emitted reaches the fourth specified number, the processing circuit 33 stops emitting the alert sound. For example, if the activity level is no longer at the lower limit after emitting the alert sound once, the processing circuit 33 stops emitting the alert sound. This prevents the notification indicating that the activity level is at the lower limit from continuing even though the activity level is no longer at the lower limit.

[0048] 1.2 Operation Next, a brief description will be given of the operation of the load control device 10. In the initial state, the load 60 is in the off state. Also, in the initial state, the upper limit value of the operation level of the load 60 is 128, the lower limit value is 1, and the initial value is 64. Also, all of the light-emitting elements 251 to 255 of the display unit 25 are turned off.

[0049] To change the load 60 from the OFF state to the ON state, the operator simply performs the third action. That is, the operator simply taps the first operation area 201 of the operation surface 200, or taps the entire area of ​​the operation surface 200 (the first to third operation areas 201 to 203) (see FIG. 6). When the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) determines that the action measured by the touch sensor 24 while the load 60 is in the OFF state is the third action, the control unit 30 controls the switch unit 32 to change the load 60 from the OFF state to the ON state. At this time, the operation level is set to an initial value (64). As a result, the load 60 is illuminated at an operation level corresponding to the initial value. The control unit 30 also sets the display unit 25 to the third state, whereby the light-emitting elements 251, 252, and 253 are illuminated and the light-emitting elements 254 and 255 are extinguished (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the control unit 30 determines that the first event has occurred and generates an alarm sound (e.g., a beep) a first specified number of times (e.g., once), thereby enabling the operator to understand that the load 60 has entered the on state.

[0050] To change the operation level of the load 60, the operator simply performs a first operation or a second operation on the operation surface 200 of the operation unit 20. The second control corresponding to the second operation has a larger minimum change in operation level than the first control corresponding to the first operation. Therefore, if the operator wishes to make a large change in the operation level of the load 60 (i.e., if the operator wishes to change the operation level of the load 60 in a stepwise manner), the operator simply performs the second operation. On the other hand, if the operator wishes to make a small change in the operation level of the load 60 (i.e., if the operator wishes to change the operation level of the load 60 continuously), the operator simply performs the first operation.

[0051] To increase the operation level in stages, the operator taps the second operation area 202 of the operation surface 200 until the operation level of the load 60 approaches the desired operation level (see FIG. 6 ). When the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) determines that the operation measured by the touch sensor 24 is the second operation and that the second contact area is the second operation area 202, it controls the switch unit 32 to increase the operation level of the load 60 by 6. Therefore, each time the operator taps the second operation area 202, the operation level increases by 6. As a result, when the operation level of the load 60 reaches 82, the control unit 30 sets the display unit 25 to the fourth state, whereby the light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, and 254 are turned on and the remaining light-emitting element 255 is turned off. When the operation level further increases to 106, the control unit 30 sets the display unit 25 to the fifth state, whereby all light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255 are turned on. When the activity level reaches the upper limit, the control unit 30 determines that the third event has occurred and controls the alarm unit 35 to emit an alarm sound three times, thereby enabling the operator to understand that the activity level of the load 60 has reached the upper limit.

[0052] On the other hand, if the operator wishes to decrease the operation level in stages, the operator simply taps the third operation area 203 of the operation surface 200 until the operation level of the load 60 approaches the desired operation level (see FIG. 6 ). When the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) determines that the operation measured by the touch sensor 24 is the second operation and that the second contact area is the third operation area 203, it controls the switch unit 32 to decrease the operation level of the load 60 by 6. Therefore, each time the operator taps the third operation area 203, the operation level decreases by 6. As a result, when the operation level of the load 60 reaches 52, the control unit 30 sets the display unit 25 to the second state, whereby the light-emitting elements 251 and 252 are turned on and the remaining light-emitting elements 253, 254, and 255 are turned off. When the operation level further decreases to 22, the control unit 30 sets the display unit 25 to the first state, whereby the light-emitting element 251 is turned on and the remaining light-emitting elements 252, 253, 254, and 255 are turned off. When the activity level reaches the lower limit, the control unit 30 determines that the fourth event has occurred and controls the alarm unit 35 to emit an alarm sound three times, thereby enabling the operator to understand that the activity level of the load 60 has reached the lower limit.

[0053] To continuously increase the activity level, the operator simply swipes the operation surface 200 in the positive direction of the coordinate axis X (see FIG. 6). If the activity measured by the touch sensor 24 is the first activity (displacement activity) and the coordinate of the final position on the coordinate axis X is greater than that of the initial position, the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) increases the activity level of the load 60 in accordance with the distance (movement distance) between the initial position and the final position. On the other hand, to decrease the activity level, the operator simply swipes the operation surface 200 in the negative direction of the coordinate axis X (see FIG. 6). If the activity measured by the touch sensor 24 is the first activity (displacement activity) and the coordinate of the final position on the coordinate axis X is smaller than that of the initial position, the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) decreases the activity level of the load 60 in accordance with the distance (movement distance) between the initial position and the final position. In the first control, the unit of change in the activity level of the load 60 is 1, so the activity level of the load 60 can be set to a desired activity level by adjusting the movement distance.

[0054] If the operator wishes to continuously increase or decrease the operation level, the operator may perform a non-displacement operation instead of a displacement operation as the first operation. To continuously increase the operation level, the operator simply long-tap the second operation area 202 of the operation surface 200 until the operation level of the load 60 reaches the desired operation level (see FIG. 6). When the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) determines that the operation measured by the touch sensor 24 is a non-displacement operation and that the first contact area is the second operation area 202, it controls the switch unit 32 to increase the operation level of the load 60 according to the duration of the long tap (first predetermined period). On the other hand, if the operator wishes to continuously decrease the operation level, the operator simply long-tap the third operation area 203 of the operation surface 200 until the operation level of the load 60 reaches the desired operation level. When the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) determines that the operation measured by the touch sensor 24 is a non-displacement operation and that the first contact area is the third operation area 203, it controls the switch unit 32 to reduce the operation level of the load 60 according to the time of the long tap (first predetermined period). In the first control, the unit of change in the operation level of the load 60 is 1, so that the operation level of the load 60 can be set to a desired operation level by adjusting the time of the long tap (first predetermined period).

[0055] To change the load 60 from the on state to the off state, the operator simply performs a third action. That is, the operator simply taps the first operation area 201 of the operation surface 200 or taps the entire area of ​​the operation surface 200 (the first to third operation areas 201 to 203) (see FIG. 6). When the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) determines that the action measured by the touch sensor 24 while the load 60 is in the on state is the third action, the control unit 30 controls the switch unit 32 to change the load 60 from the on state to the off state. This turns off the load 60. The control unit 30 also controls the display unit 25 to turn off all the light-emitting elements 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255. Furthermore, the control unit 30 determines that a second event has occurred and generates an alert sound (e.g., a beep) a second specified number of times (e.g., once). This allows the operator to understand that the load 60 has changed to the off state.

[0056] 1.3 Summary In the load control device 10 of the present embodiment described above, the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) executes a first control if the operator's movement measured by the touch sensor 24 is a first movement. On the other hand, the control unit 30 (processing circuit 33) executes a second control if the operator's movement measured by the touch sensor 24 is a second movement different from the first movement. Both the first control and the second control are controls for changing the movement level of the load 60, and the second control changes the movement level of the load 60 in units larger than the first control. Therefore, if the operator wants to change the movement level of the load 60 by a relatively large amount, the operator can perform a second movement corresponding to the second control on the operation surface 200, rather than a first movement corresponding to the first control. On the other hand, if the operator wants to change the movement level of the load 60 by a relatively small amount, the operator can perform a first movement corresponding to the first control on the operation surface 200, rather than a second movement corresponding to the second control. In this way, the operator can use the first movement and the second movement appropriately, taking into account the difference between the current movement level of the load 60 and a desired movement level. Therefore, the load control device 10 of this embodiment has the effect of allowing the operator to easily adjust the operation level of the load 60 to a desired value.

[0057] 2. Variations The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. Modifications of the above-described embodiment are listed below.

[0058] For example, the shapes of the operation unit 20 and the control unit 30 are merely examples and are not limited to those in the above embodiment. The shapes of the operation unit 20 and the control unit 30 can be changed depending on the design, etc. In the above embodiment, the load control device 10 includes a mounting frame 40, but the mounting frame 40 is not essential.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the first panel 27 is formed such that the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 are integrally formed by two-color molding. In a modified example, the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 may be formed separately and then the first portion 270 may be joined to the second portion 271. Furthermore, the first portion 270 and the second portion 271 may be formed from the same material (light-transmitting material or opaque material).

[0060] In the above embodiment, the first panel 27 has multiple (seven in the above embodiment) protrusions 274a-274g for connecting the first panel 27 and the second panel 28, but the number of protrusions is not particularly limited. The second panel 28 has multiple (seven in the above embodiment) voids 284a-284g for connecting the first panel 27 and the second panel 28, but the number of voids is not particularly limited. The second panel 28 may have one or more protrusions, and the first panel 27 may have one or more voids into which the one or more protrusions fit. That is, one of the first panel 27 and the second panel 28 may have a protrusion, and the other may have a void into which the protrusion fits. This allows the first panel 27 and the second panel 28 to be connected to each other by fitting the protrusion into the void, and the touch sensor 24 is held between the first panel 27 and the second panel 28. This facilitates assembly of the operation unit.

[0061] In the above embodiment, first panel 27 includes a plurality of (five in the above embodiment) light guide sections 276a to 276e, but the number of light guide sections is not particularly limited. Also, in the above embodiment, the light guide sections are the parts of first panel 27 that have the highest light transmittance, but they may also be holes that penetrate first panel 27.

[0062] In a modified example, the operation surface 200 may be a part of the first surface 27a rather than the entire surface.

[0063] In a modified example, coordinate axis X may be set parallel to the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 6) of first panel 27. Coordinate axis X may be set relative to operation surface 200, taking into consideration the operability of load control device 10.

[0064] In the modified example, the operation surface 200 does not necessarily have to include the three operation areas (first to third operation areas) 201, 202, and 203, but may include one or more operation areas.

[0065] In a modified example, the first action may not include a displacement action, and may not correspond to a slide action, a swipe action, or a flick action. Furthermore, the first action may not include a non-displacement action, and may not correspond to a long tap action. The first action may correspond to a tap action. Furthermore, the second action and the third action may not correspond to a tap action, and may correspond to a slide action, a swipe action, a flick action, or a long tap action. In short, the first action and the second action only need to be different from each other.

[0066] Furthermore, the first to fifth states of the display unit 25 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. The first to fifth states may be states in which only the corresponding light-emitting elements among the light-emitting elements 251 to 255 are lit. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display unit 25 includes five light-emitting elements 251 to 255, but the number of light-emitting elements is not particularly limited. In a modified example, the display unit 25 may be configured to display a numerical value corresponding to the operation level of the load 60. Furthermore, in a modified example, the load control device 10 may not include the display unit 25.

[0067] In a modified example, the notification unit 35 may output a sound corresponding to a predetermined event. Also, the load control device 10 does not necessarily have to include the notification unit 35.

[0068] In a modified example, the control unit 30 does not necessarily have to be configured to adjust the light output of the load 60 by phase control. For example, the control unit 30 may be configured to change the light output (operating level) of the load 60 by conventionally known dimming control (e.g., dimming control using PWM). The control unit 30 may also be configured to output a signal indicating the operating level. Here, the load 60 is not necessarily limited to a lighting load. The load 60 may be an electric motor or the like whose operating level (speed level) is adjustable. In short, the control unit 30 may have the function of adjusting the operating level of the load 60.

[0069] 3. Aspects As is clear from the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the load control device (10) of the first aspect includes an operation unit (20) and a control unit (30). The operation unit (20) has an operation surface (200) on which an operator operates a load (60), and a touch sensor (24) that measures the operator's movement on the operation surface (200). The control unit (30) is configured to execute a first control if the movement measured by the touch sensor (24) is a first movement, and to execute a second control if the movement measured by the touch sensor (24) is a second movement different from the first movement. The first control and the second control both change the movement level of the load (60), and the second control changes the movement level of the load (60) in larger increments than the first control. According to the first aspect, the operator can easily adjust the movement level of the load (60) to a desired value.

[0070] A load control device (10) of a second aspect can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the second aspect, the operation unit (20) includes a display unit (25) that displays a display indicating the activity level of the load (60) on the operation surface (200). The control unit (30) is configured to cause the display unit (25) to display a display indicating the current activity level of the load (60). According to the second aspect, the operator can grasp the activity level of the load (60) from the display unit (25).

[0071] A load control device (10) of a third aspect can be realized by combining it with the second aspect. In the third aspect, the control unit (30) is configured to cause the display unit (25) to display a relative value of the current operating level of the load (60) with respect to a range between an upper limit (UL) and a lower limit (LL) of the operating level of the load (60). According to the third aspect, even if the upper limit and the lower limit are changed, the display unit (25) can appropriately display the operating level.

[0072] A fourth aspect of the load control device (10) can be realized by combining it with the second or third aspect. In the fourth aspect, the first action includes an action of the operator moving a contact position on the operation surface (200) along a coordinate axis (X) set along the operation surface (200). The display unit (25) has a plurality of light-emitting elements (251 to 255) arranged along the coordinate axis (X). In the first control, the control unit (30) is configured to change the operation level of the load (60) according to the distance between a position on the coordinate axis (X) before the contact position moves and a position on the coordinate axis (X) after the contact position moves. The control unit (30) is configured to control the display unit (25) so that the plurality of light-emitting elements (251 to 255) light up in sequence from a first end to a second end of the operation surface (200) along the coordinate axis (X) as the current operation level of the load (60) increases. The control unit (30) is configured to control the display unit (25) so that the plurality of light-emitting elements (251-255) are turned off in sequence along the coordinate axis (X) from the second end toward the first end of the operation surface (200) as the current operation level of the load (60) decreases. According to the fourth aspect, the operator can associate the display content of the display unit (25) with the first operation, which makes it easier to change the operation level.

[0073] A fifth aspect of the load control device (10) can be realized by combining it with the first aspect. In the fifth aspect, the first action includes an action in which the operator moves the contact position with the operation surface (200) along a coordinate axis (X) set along the operation surface (200). According to the fifth aspect, the operation level of the load (60) can be changed by an intuitive operation.

[0074] A sixth aspect of the load control device (10) can be realized by combining it with the fifth aspect. In the sixth aspect, the control unit (30) is configured to change the operation level of the load (60) in the first control in accordance with the distance between the position before the contact position moves and the position after the contact position moves. According to the sixth aspect, it is easy to adjust the operation level of the load (60).

[0075] The load control device (10) of the seventh aspect can be realized by combining it with the fifth or sixth aspect. In the seventh aspect, the second action includes an action in which the operator touches the contact areas (202, 203) of the operation surface (200) for a predetermined period of time without moving the contact position with the contact areas (202, 203). According to the seventh aspect, it is easy to distinguish between the first action and the second action, thereby reducing the possibility of erroneous operation of the load control device (10).

[0076] The load control device (10) of an eighth aspect can be realized by combining it with any one of the first, fifth to seventh aspects. In the eighth aspect, the operation unit (20) includes a plate-shaped main body (22) that houses the touch sensor (24). The main body (22) has a first panel (27) and a second panel (28). The first panel (27) has a first surface (27a) and a second surface (27b) in a thickness direction, and the operation surface (200) is provided on the first surface (27a). The second panel (28) holds the touch sensor (24) between itself and the second surface (27b) of the first panel (27). One of the first panel (27) and the second panel (28) has protrusions (274a to 274g), and the other has cavities (284a to 284g) into which the protrusions (274a to 274g) fit. The projections (274a to 274g) fit into the spaces (284a to 284g), thereby joining the first panel (27) and the second panel (28). According to the eighth aspect, the assembly of the operating part (20) is facilitated.

[0077] A load control device (10) of a ninth aspect can be realized by combining it with the eighth aspect. In the ninth aspect, the operation unit (20) includes a display unit (25) that displays a display indicating the operation level of the load (60) on the operation surface (200). The control unit (30) is configured to cause the display unit (25) to display a display indicating the current operation level of the load (60). According to the ninth aspect, the operator can grasp the operation level of the load (60) using the load control device (10).

[0078] A load control device (10) of a tenth aspect can be realized by combining it with the ninth aspect. In the tenth aspect, the control unit (30) is configured to cause the display unit (25) to display a relative value of the current operating level of the load (60) in a range between an upper limit (UL) and a lower limit (LL) of the operating level of the load (60). According to the tenth aspect, even if the upper limit and the lower limit are changed, the display unit (25) can appropriately display the operating level.

[0079] The load control device (10) of an eleventh aspect can be realized by combining it with the ninth or tenth aspect. In the eleventh aspect, the display unit (25) has a plurality of light-emitting elements (251-255), and the plurality of light-emitting elements (251-255) are housed in the main body (22) so as to face the second surface (27b) of the first panel (27). The first panel (27) has a plurality of light-guiding units (276a-276e) that transmit light from the plurality of light-emitting elements (251-255), respectively. According to the eleventh aspect, the operation level of the load (60) can be displayed on the operation surface (200).

[0080] A load control device (10) of a twelfth aspect can be realized by combining it with the eleventh aspect. In the twelfth aspect, the first panel (27) has a first portion (270) formed of a light-transmitting material and having the first surface (27a), and a second portion (271) formed of an opaque material and having the second surface (27b). According to the twelfth aspect, the plurality of light-emitting elements (251-255) of the display unit (25) housed in the main body (22) are made difficult to see from the first surface (27a) side, and light from the light-emitting elements (251-255) is easily transmitted through the first panel (27).

[0081] A load control device (10) of a thirteenth aspect can be realized by combining it with the twelfth aspect. In the thirteenth aspect, the first portion (270) and the second portion (271) are integrally formed by two-color molding. Each of the plurality of light guide portions (276a-276e) has the highest light transmittance in the first panel (27). According to the thirteenth aspect, the appearance of the operation unit (20) is improved.

[0082] A load control device (10) of a fourteenth aspect can be realized by combining it with the thirteenth aspect. In the fourteenth aspect, each of the plurality of light guiding sections (276a-276e) is a section between the first surface (27a) and a bottom surface of a hole (275a-275e) that is formed in the second surface (27b) of the first panel (27) and does not penetrate the second portion (271). According to the fourteenth aspect, the appearance of the operation unit (20) is further improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Load control device 20 Control section 200 Operation surface 22 Main body 24 Touch Sensor 25 Display section 27 Panel 1 27a 1st page 27b 2nd side 270 Part 1 271 Part 2 274a~274g protrusion 275a~275e holes 276a~276e Light guiding part 28 Panel 2 284a~284g blank space 30 Control Unit 50 AC power supply 60 load

Claims

1. a control unit that turns on or off a lighting load when the operation measured by a touch sensor that measures an operation on a rectangular operation surface is a first touch operation, and that performs a dimming process different from turning on or off the lighting load when the operation measured by the touch sensor is a second touch operation different from the first touch operation; The notification department, a display unit having a plurality of light sources; the operation surface includes a first operation area at a center in a length direction of the operation surface, and a second operation area and a third operation area on both sides in the length direction of the operation surface, the first touch action is the action of tapping the first operation area, and the second touch action is the action of tapping the second operation area or the third operation area, the plurality of light sources are provided in the second operation area and the third operation area along the length direction of the operation surface, the notification unit generates a first notification sound in response to the first touch action; the notification unit generates a second notification sound different from the first notification sound when the operation level of the lighting load reaches an upper limit or a lower limit; If the operation level of the lighting load is no longer at either the upper limit or the lower limit before the second alarm sound generated by the alarm unit is completed, the alarm unit stops the generated second alarm sound. Load control device.

2. When the operation level of the lighting load reaches an upper limit or a lower limit as a result of the control unit performing the process in response to the second touch operation, the notification unit generates the second notification sound. The load control device according to claim 1 .

3. The number of times that the alarm unit generates the first alarm sound is less than the number of times that the alarm unit generates the second alarm sound. The load control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A load control device installed in a building material to control a lighting load, a touch sensor that measures an operator's movement on the operation surface; a control unit that turns on or off the lighting load when the operation measured by the touch sensor is a first touch operation, and that performs processing different from turning on or off the lighting load when the operation measured by the touch sensor is a second touch operation different from the first touch operation; a notification unit that converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal, the notification unit generates a notification sound in response to the first touch action; the control unit controls the lighting load to be dimmed when the operation measured by the touch sensor is the second touch operation; When the operation level of the lighting load reaches an upper limit or a lower limit due to the dimming control, the notification unit generates a notification sound; When the operation level of the lighting load is no longer at either the upper limit or the lower limit before the notification sound generated by the dimming control of the lighting load is completed, the notification unit stops the generated notification sound. Load control device.

5. A display unit capable of displaying a plurality of display modes, the control unit changes an operation level of the lighting load in response to the operation measured by the touch sensor; The display unit displays a display form corresponding to the operation level of the lighting load in a visible manner when installed on the construction material. The load control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The operation surface includes a first operation area located at the center of the operation surface in the longitudinal direction, and a second operation area and a third operation area located on both sides of the operation surface in the longitudinal direction, the first touch action is the action of tapping the first operation area, the second touch action is a non-displacement action of long tapping the second operation area or the third operation area for a time longer than a predetermined time; The load control device according to claim 4.

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