Control device and control system

Abstract

To provide a controller capable of easily coping with a change of an operation method and a control system.SOLUTION: A controller 2 comprises a load connection unit 27, a connector, and a power control unit 25. To the load connection unit 27, a load 7 is connected. Any of a plurality of types of operation modules 3 can be connected to the connector. The plurality of types of operation modules 3 are different from one another in user's operation methods, and output operation signals according to the user's operation. The power control unit 25 controls power to be supplied to the load 7 connected to the load connection unit 27 on the basis of the operation signals according to the user's operation input from the operation module 3 connected to the connector of the plurality of types of operation modules 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a control system, and more particularly to a control device and a control system that control power supplied to a load. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dimmer for adjusting the brightness of a lighting fixture. A rotary encoder control is disposed on the front of the main body of the dimmer. When the control is rotated clockwise, the dimmer increases the brightness of the lighting fixture, and when the control is rotated counterclockwise, the dimmer decreases the brightness of the lighting fixture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-125418 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the dimmer with the above configuration, there is only one operation method for switching the load output, and if it is desired to change the operation method, it is necessary to replace the entire dimmer.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device and a control system that can easily accommodate changes in operation methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a load connection unit, a connector, and a power control unit. a setting operation unit for inputting setting information relating to a predetermined setting operation;A load can be connected to the load connection unit. Any of a plurality of types of operation modules can be connected to the connector. The plurality of types of operation modules are operated by a user in different ways and output an operation signal in response to the user's operation. The power control unit controls the power supplied to the load connected to the load connection unit based on an operation signal in response to the user's operation that is input from an operation module connected to the connector out of the plurality of types of operation modules. The predetermined setting operation includes an operation of setting at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit of the power supplied to the load. A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a load connection unit, a connector, a power control unit, a setting operation unit for inputting setting information related to a predetermined setting operation, and a housing. A load can be connected to the load connection unit. Any of a plurality of types of operation modules can be connected to the connector. The plurality of types of operation modules have different user operation methods and output an operation signal in response to the user's operation. The power control unit controls the power supply to the load connected to the load connection unit based on an operation signal in response to the user's operation input from an operation module connected to the connector among the plurality of types of operation modules. The housing accommodates the load connection unit, the connector, the power control unit, and the setting operation unit. The setting operation unit is provided on the surface of the housing on which the connector is provided. A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a load connection unit, a connector, and a power control unit. A load can be connected to the load connection unit. Any of a plurality of types of operation modules can be connected to the connector. The plurality of types of operation modules are operated by a user in different ways and output an operation signal in response to the user's operation. The power control unit controls the power supplied to the load connected to the load connection unit based on an operation signal in response to the user's operation input from an operation module connected to the connector among the plurality of types of operation modules. The power control unit determines the type of operation module connected to the connector based on type information transmitted from an operation module connected to the connector among the plurality of types of operation modules.

[0007] A control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the control device and an operation module connected to the connector of the control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a control device and a control system that can easily accommodate changes in operation methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotation operation module connectable to the control device, and a touch operation module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the control device, the rotation operation module, and the touch operation module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the control device in a state where a rotation operation module is connected to the control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rotation operation module. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the control device attached to the mounting frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment) (1) Overview The drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic drawings, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a control device 2 of this embodiment and an operation module 3 (here, a rotation operation module 4 and a touch operation module 5) connectable to the control device 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the control device 2, the rotation operation module 4, and the touch operation module 5.

[0012] The control device 2 of this embodiment includes a load connection unit 27, a connector CN1 (see FIG. 1), and a power control unit 25.

[0013] The load 7 is connected to the load connection part 27 .

[0014] Any of a plurality of types of operation modules 3 can be connected to the connector CN1.

[0015] The plurality of types of operation modules 3 are operated by different methods by the user, and output operation signals in response to the user's operations.

[0016] The power control unit 25 controls the power supplied to the load 7 connected to the load connection unit 27 based on an operation signal corresponding to a user's operation input from an operation module 3 connected to the connector CN1 among the multiple types of operation modules 3.

[0017] Here, each of the multiple types of operation modules 3 includes a user interface that accepts user operations. The multiple user interfaces included in each of the multiple types of operation modules 3 have different operation methods. For example, the multiple types of operation modules 3 may include an operation module 3 having an operation unit capable of rotational or sliding operation, and a user interface that outputs an operation signal based on the operation direction and amount when the user operates the operation unit. The multiple types of operation modules 3 may also include an operation module 3 having a touch sensor and a user interface that outputs an operation signal based on a touch operation (tap, swipe, etc.) detected by the touch sensor. The multiple types of operation modules 3 may also include an operation module 3 having an infrared receiving unit that receives an infrared signal transmitted from an infrared remote control device when the user operates the infrared remote control device, and a user interface that outputs an operation signal based on information included in the infrared signal received by the infrared receiving unit.

[0018] When a desired operation module 3 out of the multiple types of operation modules 3 is connected to the connector CN1 of the control device 2, the power control unit 25 controls the power supplied to the load 7 connected to the load connection unit 27 based on an operation signal corresponding to a user operation input from the operation module 3 connected to the connector CN1. Therefore, when it is desired to change the operation method of the operation module 3, it is sufficient to connect an operation module 3 having a user interface for the desired operation method to the control device 2. In other words, since the control device 2 is compatible with multiple types of operation modules 3 and an operation module 3 for the desired operation method can be connected to and used in the control device 2, it is possible to more easily accommodate changes in the operation method compared to replacing both the operation module 3 and the control device 2.

[0019] Incidentally, the control device 2 of this embodiment configures the control system 1 together with the operation module 3. In other words, the control system 1 includes the control device 2 and the operation module 3 connected to the connector CN1 of the control device 2.

[0020] In the following embodiment, an example will be described in which the control system 1 includes a rotation operation module 4 and a touch operation module 5 as the multiple types of operation modules 3. The rotation operation module 4 includes a rotation operation unit 46 capable of performing a rotation operation as the user interface 30, and when the rotation operation unit 46 is operated, an operation signal based on the amount of rotation, rotation speed, and rotation direction of the rotation operation unit 46 is output to the control device 2. The touch operation module 5 includes a touch sensor 52 as the user interface 30, and when a touch operation is performed by touching the touch sensor 52, an operation signal based on the touch operation is output to the control device 2.

[0021] (2) Composition The configuration of a control device 2 according to this embodiment and multiple types of operation modules 3 connectable to the control device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the following description, the X-axis direction in FIG. 1 and other figures is defined as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-rear direction (depth direction), and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the positive direction in the X-axis direction is defined as the right side, the positive direction in the Y-axis direction as the front side, and the positive direction in the Z-axis direction as the top side. However, these directions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the directions in which the control device 2 and operation module 3 are used. Furthermore, the arrows indicating the various directions in the drawings are merely shown for the purpose of explanation and do not have any substance.

[0022] (2.1) Control device As described above, the control device 2 includes the load connection unit 27, the connector CN1, and the power control unit 25. The control device 2 also includes a processing unit 20, a wired communication unit 21, a power control circuit 22, a setting operation unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a housing 200.

[0023] A load 7 can be connected to the load connection unit 27. The load connection unit 27 has, for example, a pair of terminals t1 and t2. An AC power supply 6 such as a commercial AC power supply and the load 7 are connected in series between the pair of terminals t1 and t2. The control device 2 is a two-wire wiring device in which the AC power supply 6 and the load 7 are connected by two electric wires W1, but the connection form between the AC power supply 6 and the load 7 can be changed as appropriate, and a three-wire or four-wire wiring device may also be used. The load 7 connected to the load connection unit 27 is, for example, a lighting load. More specifically, the load 7 is a dimmable lighting load that has a light-emitting diode as a light source.

[0024] The processing unit 20 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the processing unit 20 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0025] The processing unit 20 has, for example, the functions of a power control unit 25 and a setting processing unit 26. Note that the power control unit 25 and the setting processing unit 26 merely indicate the functions realized by the processing unit 20 and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0026] The power control unit 25 controls the power supply to the load 7 connected to the load connection unit 27 based on an operation signal input from the operation module 3 connected to the connector CN1. Specifically, the power control unit 25 outputs a control signal based on the operation signal to the power control circuit 22, causing the power control circuit 22 to control the power supply to the load 7. In this embodiment, the load 7 is a lighting load, and the power control unit 25 controls the power supply to the lighting load so as to turn on the lighting load at a dimming level based on the operation signal. Note that in this embodiment, operation information indicating the amount and direction of change in the dimming level of the lighting load (i.e., information indicating the dimming level relative to the current dimming level) is input from the operation module 3. The power control unit 25 controls the power supply to the lighting load based on the operation information so as to change the current dimming level by the amount indicated by the operation information in the direction of change indicated by the operation information.

[0027] The setting processing unit 26 performs predetermined setting operations related to the operation of the control device 2 based on the setting information input from the setting operation unit 23 .

[0028] The power control circuit 22 has a semiconductor switch such as a triac connected between terminals t1 and t2. The power control circuit 22 controls the conduction phase angle of the semiconductor switch in response to a control signal input from the power control unit 25, thereby controlling the power supplied from the AC power supply 6 to the load 7. In other words, the power control circuit 22 controls the power supplied to the load 7, which is a lighting load, in response to the control signal input from the power control unit 25 so that the load 7 is illuminated at a dimming level corresponding to the control signal.

[0029] The wired communication unit 21 communicates with the operation module 3 connected to the connector CN1. The wired communication unit 21 communicates with the operation module 3, for example, using an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method. In this embodiment, for example, the control device 2 is the master, and the operation module 3 connected to the control device 2 is the slave, and serial communication is performed between the control device 2 and the operation module 3. Note that the communication method used for communication between the wired communication unit 21 and the operation module 3 is not limited to I2C, and other communication methods may be used.

[0030] The wireless communication unit 24 performs wireless communication with an external communication device 8. The external communication device 8 is, for example, another control device 2, a collective operation switch for collectively operating (for example, collectively turning on or off) a plurality of loads 7, a gateway for connecting to a communication network, etc. The communication method between the wireless communication unit 24 and the external communication device 8 is, for example, a wireless communication method conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee (registered trademark), or low-power radio that does not require a license (specified low-power radio).

[0031] The setting operation unit 23 is used to input setting information related to a predetermined setting operation. The setting operation unit 23 includes, for example, setting buttons 231 to 232 that are operated to register communication devices 8 that are permitted to wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication unit 24, and setting buttons 233 to 234 that are operated to set a lower limit of power to be supplied to the load 7 (see FIG. 5). The user can perform a predetermined setting operation on the control device 2 by operating these setting buttons 231 to 234.

[0032] Since the setting buttons 231 to 234 are provided on the housing 200 of the control device 2, there is an advantage in that it is not necessary to provide a setting operation unit for performing setting work on the control device 2 in each of the multiple types of operation modules 3 that can be connected to the control device 2. Furthermore, in the housing 200 that houses the load connection unit 27, the connector CN1, the power control unit 25, and the setting operation unit 23, the setting operation unit 23 is provided on the surface (front surface 201) on which the connector CN1 is provided. Therefore, when the operation module 3 is not connected to the control device 2, the setting operation unit 23 is exposed and becomes operable, so that predetermined setting work on the control device 2 can be performed even when the housing 200 is attached to a wall or the like, and the setting work can be easily performed.

[0033] In this embodiment, the predetermined setting operation includes a registration operation for registering a communication device 8 that is permitted to communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit 24. The setting buttons 231 and 232 are operated to perform the registration operation. The setting button 231 is, for example, an operation button operated to operate the processing unit 20 in a registration mode. The registration mode is an operation mode for registering a communication device 8 that is permitted to communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit 24. When the setting button 231 is operated, the processing unit 20 starts operating in the registration mode and causes the indicator light 235 located on the front surface 201 of the housing 200 to flash. Then, when the wireless communication unit 24 receives a registration request from the communication device 8 while operating in the registration mode, the setting processing unit 26 stores the identification information of the communication device 8 (e.g., a network address, an IP address, or a MAC address) received together with the registration request in memory as the identification number of the communication device that is permitted to communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit 24. In other words, the setting processing unit 26 sets the communication device 8 as a communication device that is permitted to communicate with the wireless communication unit 24. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation in the registration mode, the processing unit 20 ends the registration mode and turns off the indicator light 235. Furthermore, the setting button 232 is an operation button for, for example, erasing the identification information of the communication device 8 stored in memory. When the setting button 232 is operated, the setting processing unit 26 erases the identification information of the communication device 8 stored in memory.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the predetermined setting operation includes setting at least one of the upper and lower limits of the power supplied to the load 7. Since the load 7 is a lighting load in the present embodiment, the predetermined setting operation includes setting at least one of the upper and lower limits of the dimming range of the lighting load. Note that in the present embodiment, the predetermined setting operation includes setting the lower limit of the power supplied to the load 7, i.e., the lower limit of the dimming range of the lighting load. Specifically, the setting buttons 233 and 234 are used in the setting operation to set the lower limit of the dimming range. When the setting button 233 is operated once, the setting processing unit 26 brightens the lower limit of the dimming range by a predetermined level. When the setting button 234 is operated once, the setting processing unit 26 darkens the lower limit of the dimming range by a predetermined level. Note that in the present embodiment, the predetermined setting operation is setting the lower limit of the power supplied to the load 7 (i.e., the lower limit of the dimming range). However, the predetermined setting operation may be setting the upper limit of the power supplied to the load 7 (i.e., the upper limit of the dimming range), or may be setting both the upper and lower limits.

[0035] The housing 200 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole by joining a rear body 210 and a front cover 220, each of which is a molded product made of synthetic resin (see FIG. 1).

[0036] Housing 200 houses load connection unit 27, connector CN1, processing unit 20, wired communication unit 21, power control circuit 22, setting operation unit 23, and wireless communication unit 24. Connector CN1 and setting operation unit 23 are arranged on front surface 201 of housing 200. In other words, in this embodiment, "a first member housing a second member" is not limited to only a state in which the second member is housed inside the first member, but may also include a state in which the first member holds the second member with part or the entire second member exposed to the surface.

[0037] The housing 200 of the control device 2 is attached to a mounting surface such as a wall with a portion of the housing 200 embedded in an embedding hole provided in the mounting surface. The housing 200 is fixed to the mounting surface such as a wall using, for example, an attachment member such as a switch box embedded in the embedding hole.

[0038] The housing 200 is fixed to a mounting member such as a switch box via a mounting frame 60, for example. The mounting frame 60 is, for example, a mounting frame for a large rectangular interconnection wiring device standardized by the Japanese Industrial Standards. The mounting frame 60 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. An opening 66 is provided in the center of the mounting frame 60, exposing almost the entire front surface 201 of the housing 200. Left and right long side portions 64 of the mounting frame 60 are provided with a plurality of holes 65 into which protrusions 204 (see FIG. 3 ) provided on the side surfaces of the housing 200 fit. The housing 200 is inserted into the mounting frame 60 from the rear side thereof, and is held in place by fitting the protrusions 204 on the side surfaces of the housing 200 into the holes 65 of the mounting frame 60 with the front surface 201 of the housing 200 exposed through the opening 66.

[0039] The mounting frame 60 is made of metal, for example. Mounting holes 62 and screw holes 63 for fixing a plate are provided on upper and lower short side portions 61 of the mounting frame 60, respectively. The mounting frame 60 is attached to a mounting surface, such as a wall, by threading a pair of mounting screws through the pair of mounting holes 62 into screw holes provided in a mounting member, such as a switch box. A fixing plate made of synthetic resin is attached to the front side of the mounting frame 60 by passing a pair of fixing screws through a pair of through holes provided in the fixing plate and screwing the pair of fixing screws into the pair of screw holes 63. A decorative plate made of synthetic resin is attached to the front side of the fixing plate by concave-convex fitting. When the fixing plate and the decorative plate are attached to the front side of the mounting frame 60, a front surface 201 of the housing 200 is exposed forward through the openings provided in the fixing plate and the decorative plate, respectively.

[0040] On the front surface 201 of the housing 200, the above-mentioned connector CN1, setting buttons 231 to 234, an indicator light 235, etc. are arranged.

[0041] Also, grooves 202 (see FIG. 5) are provided in the front portions of the left and right sides of the housing 200, into which a pair of locking hooks 301 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) provided on the operation module 3 are coupled. Also, four recesses 203 (see FIG. 5) are provided in the four corners of the front surface 201 of the housing 200, into which four positioning protrusions 302 (see FIG. 4) provided on the four corners of the rear surface of the operation module 3 are fitted, respectively.

[0042] The rear surface of the housing 200 is provided with a wire insertion hole into which an electric wire W1 (see FIG. 2) is inserted, which connects the load 7 and the AC power supply 6 with the control device 2. A terminal device to which the electric wire W1 inserted from the wire insertion hole is connected is housed inside the housing 200. This terminal device is, for example, a quick-connect terminal that allows electric wires to be connected without tools.

[0043] (2.2) Operation Module A plurality of types of operation modules 3 can be connected to the control device 2. In this embodiment, a rotation operation module 4 and a touch operation module 5 are used as the plurality of types of operation modules 3 that can be connected to the control device 2.

[0044] (2.2.1) Rotational Operation Module The rotary operation module 4 includes a rotary operation unit 46 that is rotatably arranged, a rotation detection unit 42 that detects the rotation of the rotary operation unit 46, and a control unit 40 that outputs an operation signal to the control device 2 based on the detection result of the rotation detection unit 42. The rotary operation module 4 also includes a communication unit 41, a push button switch 43, a handle 47, and a housing 300. Here, the rotary operation module 4 has the rotary operation unit 46, the rotation detection unit 42, etc. as a user interface 30.

[0045] The housing 300 accommodates the control unit 40, the communication unit 41, the rotation detection unit 42, the push button switch 43, the rotation operation unit 46, and the handle 47. The rotation operation unit 46 and the handle 47 are held in the housing 300 in a state where they are exposed on the front surface of the housing 300.

[0046] 1, the housing 300 has a common configuration among the multiple types of operation modules 3, except for the operation panel 400 on the front side. The housing 300 is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape when viewed from the front.

[0047] 4, a connector CN2 that can be coupled to a connector CN1 of the control device 2 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 300. A pair of locking hooks 301 that can be coupled to a pair of grooves 202 provided on the control device 2 is provided on the left and right sides of the rear surface of the housing 300. In addition, four protrusions 302 that fit into four recesses 203 provided on the four corners of the rear surface of the housing 300 are provided.

[0048] A handle 47 is disposed on the lower side of an operation surface 400 on the front surface of the housing 300, and a rotation operation unit 46 is disposed on the upper side (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The rotation operation unit 46 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a height that is short compared to its diameter, and is disposed on the operation surface 400 so as to be capable of being rotated in both directions. The handle 47 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The handle 47 is supported, for example, at one end side in the left-right direction (e.g., the left side) so as to be rotatable relative to the operation surface 400, and is disposed on the operation surface 400 so that the other end side in the left-right direction (e.g., the right side) can be pressed.

[0049] The communication unit 41 communicates with the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 using, for example, the I2C communication method.

[0050] The rotation detection unit 42 includes a rotary encoder that outputs two-phase (A-phase and B-phase) pulse trains in accordance with the rotation angle of the rotary operation unit 46. The rotary encoder is configured to output, for example, three pulses per rotation. The rotary encoder is also configured to output two-phase pulse trains having a phase difference of 1 / 4 cycle from each other in accordance with the rotation of the rotary operation unit 46.

[0051] The push button switch 43 is a switch that performs momentary operation. When the user pushes the handle 47 backward, the push button of the push button switch 43 is pressed by the handle 47, and the on / off state of the contact of the push button switch 43 is reversed. For example, the push button switch 43 is off when the handle 47 is not pressed, and turns on when the handle 47 is pressed.

[0052] The control unit 40 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the control unit 40 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0053] The control unit 40 detects a change in the rotation angle (rotation position) of the rotary operation unit 46 based on a combination of signal levels of the two-phase pulse train output from the rotary encoder. The control unit 40 calculates the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation amount per unit time of the rotary operation unit 46 based on the change in the rotation angle of the rotary operation unit 46. The control unit 40 determines whether the operation is to brighten or darken the dimming level of the lighting load, i.e., the direction of change in the dimming level of the lighting load, based on the rotation direction of the rotary operation unit 46. The control unit 40 also determines the amount of change in the dimming level of the lighting load from the current dimming level, based on the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation amount per unit time of the rotary operation unit 46. The control unit 40 then causes the communication unit 41 to transmit an operation signal including dimming information indicating the direction and amount of change in the dimming level to the control device 2. That is, the control unit 40 calculates the rotation amount and rotation speed of the rotary operation unit 46 based on the detection result of the rotation detection unit 42, and outputs an operation signal based on the calculation results of the rotation amount and rotation speed to the power control unit 25. As a result, the power control unit 25 controls the power supplied to the load 7 according to the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation amount of the rotary operation unit 46 rotated by the user, thereby making it possible to adjust the brightness of the lighting fixture, which is the load 7. In addition, the rotary operation module 4Since the control unit 40 calculates the rotation amount and rotation speed of the rotary operation unit 46 based on the detection result of the rotation detection unit 42, the load of calculation processing on the control device 2 side can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, when the handle 47 is pressed and the push button switch 43 is switched from off to on, the control unit 40 causes the communication unit 41 to transmit an operation signal including reversal information for reversing the on / off state of the load 7 to the control device 2. That is, when the handle 47 is pressed while the load 7 is on and an operation signal including reversal information is transmitted from the rotary operation module 4 to the control device 2, the power control unit 25 of the control device 2 cuts off the power supply to the load 7 and turns off the load 7. On the other hand, when the handle 47 is pressed while the load 7 is off and an operation signal including reversal information is transmitted from the rotary operation module 4 to the control device 2, the power control unit 25 of the control device 2 starts the power supply to the load 7 and turns on the load 7, for example, at the dimming level before the load 7 was turned off. Note that the dimming level before the load 7 was turned off is stored in the memory of the processing unit 20.

[0055] (2.2.2) Touch Operation Module The touch operation module 5 includes a touch sensor 52 that receives a touch operation from the user, and a control unit 50 that outputs an operation signal to the control device 2 based on the touch operation received by the touch sensor 52. The touch operation module 5 also includes a communication unit 51 and a housing 300. Here, the touch operation module 5 includes, as a user interface 30, the touch sensor 52 that receives a touch operation from the user and the like.

[0056] The housing 300 houses the control unit 50, the communication unit 51, and the touch sensor 52. Note that the housing 300 of the touch operation module 5 has the same configuration as the housing 300 of the rotation operation module 4, except for the operation surface 500, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0057] An operation surface 500 on the front surface of the housing 300 is formed as a flat surface, and the operation surface 500 is provided with a touch sensor 52 for detecting touch operations by the user.

[0058] The communication unit 51 communicates with the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 using, for example, the I2C communication method.

[0059] The touch sensor 52 is, for example, a capacitance-type touch sensor, and detects the position where the user's body touches from a change in capacitance that occurs when a part of the user's body (for example, a finger) touches the operation surface 500. The touch sensor 52 can detect operations such as a touch operation or a swipe operation by the user from a change in the position on the operation surface 500 where the user's body touches.

[0060] Based on the touch operation detected by the touch sensor 52, the control unit 50 determines the direction and amount of change in the dimming level of the lighting load, which is the load 7, and causes the communication unit 51 to transmit an operation signal including dimming information indicating the direction and amount of change in the dimming level to the control device 2.

[0061] For example, when the touch sensor 52 detects an upward swipe operation, the control unit 50 generates an operation signal including dimming information for increasing the dimming level of the lighting load by a predetermined dimming level, and transmits this operation signal to the control device 2. Note that the control unit 50 may determine the dimming information such that the faster the finger moves in the swipe operation or the greater the amount of movement of the finger in the swipe operation, the greater the amount of change in the dimming level.

[0062] Furthermore, when the touch sensor 52 detects a downward swipe operation, the control unit 50 generates an operation signal including dimming information for dimming the lighting load by a predetermined dimming level, and transmits this operation signal to the control device 2. Note that the control unit 50 may determine the dimming information such that the faster the finger moves in the swipe operation or the greater the amount of movement of the finger in the swipe operation, the greater the amount of change in the dimming level.

[0063] Furthermore, when the touch sensor 52 detects a tap operation, the control unit 50 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit an operation signal including inversion information for inverting the on / off state of the load 7 to the control device 2. When a tap operation is performed while the load 7 is on and an operation signal including inversion information is transmitted from the touch operation module 5 to the control device 2, the power control unit 25 of the control device 2 cuts off the power supply to the load 7 and turns off the load 7. On the other hand, when a tap operation is performed while the load 7 is off and an operation signal including inversion information is transmitted from the touch operation module 5 to the control device 2, the power control unit 25 of the control device 2 starts the power supply to the load 7 and turns on the load 7 at the dimming level before the load 7 was turned off, for example. It is assumed that the dimming level before the load 7 was turned off is stored in the memory of the processing unit 20.

[0064] (3) Operation explanation The control device 2 can be connected to any of a plurality of types of operation modules 3, and in this embodiment, a rotation operation module 4 and a touch operation module 5 are provided as the plurality of types of operation modules 3.

[0065] The control device 2 is used in a state where either the rotation operation module 4 or the touch operation module 5 is connected.

[0066] First, the operation of the control device 2 in combination with the rotation operation module 4 will be described.

[0067] It is assumed that the control device 2 is fixed to a wall or the like using a mounting frame 60, and a series circuit of the load 7 and AC power supply 6 is connected to the load connection portion 27 of the control device 2 via an electric wire W1.

[0068] The user holds the rotation manipulation module 4 in their hand, brings it close to the front surface 201 of the control device 2, and connects the connector CN2 of the rotation manipulation module 4 to the connector CN1 of the control device 2. At this time, the protrusions 302 on the four corners of the rear surface of the rotation manipulation module 4 fit into the recesses 203 on the four corners of the front surface 201 of the control device 2, thereby positioning the rotation manipulation module 4. In addition, the locking hooks 301 of the rotation manipulation module 4 fit into the grooves 202 of the control device 2, thereby preventing the rotation manipulation module 4 from coming loose.

[0069] When the connector CN2 of the rotary operation module 4 is connected to the connector CN1 of the control device 2, power is supplied from the control device 2 to the rotary operation module 4, and the rotary operation module 4 begins operating. Furthermore, I2C communication is performed between the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 and the communication unit 41 of the rotary operation module 4. Here, type information indicating the types of multiple types of operation modules 3 connectable to the control device 2 is registered in the control device 2. When I2C communication is initiated between the control device 2 and the rotary operation module 4, the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 acquires the type information transmitted from the rotary operation module 4, and the power control unit 25 of the control device 2 determines the type of the currently connected operation module 3 based on the type information acquired by the wired communication unit 21. Specifically, the power control unit 25 determines the type of the operation module 3 connected to the connector CN1 based on the type information transmitted from the operation module 3 connected to the connector CN1 among the multiple types of operation modules 3. This allows the power control unit 25 to control the supply power based on the operation signal corresponding to the type of operation module 3, even if, for example, the operation signal formats differ among the multiple types of operation modules 3.

[0070] When the rotary operation module 4 is connected to the control device 2 and the user rotates the rotary operation unit 46, for example, clockwise when viewed from the front, the control unit 40 generates dimming information for brightening the dimming level of the lighting load by an amount corresponding to the rotation speed and amount of rotation of the rotary operation unit 46, and causes the communication unit 41 to transmit an operation signal including this dimming information to the control device 2. When the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 receives the operation signal from the rotary operation module 4, the power control unit 25 outputs a control command to the power control circuit 22 to change the power supplied to the load 7 based on the dimming information included in the operation signal so that the load 7 is illuminated at a dimming level brighter than the current dimming level by the amount represented by the dimming information. The power control circuit 22 changes the power supplied to the load 7 in accordance with the control command, and illuminates the load 7 at a dimming level brighter than the current dimming level by the amount represented by the dimming information.

[0071] Furthermore, when the user rotates the rotary operation unit 46, for example, counterclockwise when viewed from the front, the control unit 40 generates dimming information for dimming the dimming level of the lighting load by an amount corresponding to the rotation speed and amount of rotation of the rotary operation unit 46, and causes the communication unit 41 to transmit an operation signal including this dimming information to the control device 2. When the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 receives the operation signal from the rotary operation module 4, the power control unit 25 outputs a control command to the power control circuit 22 to change the power supplied to the load 7 based on the dimming information included in the operation signal so that the load 7 is turned on at a dimming level that is darker than the current dimming level by the amount represented by the dimming information. The power control circuit 22 changes the power supplied to the load 7 in accordance with the control command, and turns on the load 7 at a dimming level that is darker than the current dimming level by the amount represented by the dimming information.

[0072] Furthermore, when the user presses the handle 47, the control unit 40 generates inversion information for inverting the on / off state of the lighting load, and causes the communication unit 41 to transmit an operation signal including this inversion information to the control device 2. When the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 receives the operation signal from the rotation operation module 4, the power control unit 25, based on the inversion information included in the operation signal, turns off the load 7 by stopping the supply of power to the load 7 if it is currently on, or turns on the load 7 by starting the supply of power to the load 7 if it is currently off.

[0073] Next, we will explain the operation of the control device 2 when it is combined with the touch operation module 5. The method for attaching the touch operation module 5 to the control device 2 is the same as the method for attaching the rotation operation module 4, so we will not explain it here. Furthermore, the power control unit 25 of the control device 2 determines that the operation module 3 currently connected to the connector CN1 is the touch operation module 5 based on the type information sent from the touch operation module 5.

[0074] When the touch operation module 5 is connected to the control device 2 and a user performs a swipe operation by tracing a finger from bottom to top on the operation surface 500 of the touch operation module 5, the touch sensor 52 outputs a detection result of the swipe operation to the control unit 50. Based on the detection result of the touch sensor 52, the control unit 50 generates dimming information for brightening the dimming level of the lighting load by a predetermined amount, and causes the communication unit 51 to transmit an operation signal including this dimming information to the control device 2. When the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 receives the operation signal from the touch operation module 5, the power control unit 25 outputs a control command to the power control circuit 22 to change the power supplied to the load 7 based on the dimming information included in the operation signal so that the load 7 is illuminated at a dimming level brighter than the current dimming level by the amount indicated by the dimming information. The power control circuit 22 changes the power supplied to the load 7 in accordance with the control command, and illuminates the load 7 at a dimming level brighter than the current dimming level by the amount indicated by the dimming information.

[0075] Furthermore, when a user performs a swipe operation by tracing a finger from top to bottom on the operation surface 500 of the touch operation module 5, the touch sensor 52 outputs a detection result of the swipe operation to the control unit 50. Based on the detection result of the touch sensor 52, the control unit 50 generates dimming information for darkening the dimming level of the lighting load by a predetermined amount, and causes the communication unit 51 to transmit an operation signal including this dimming information to the control device 2. When the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 receives the operation signal from the touch operation module 5, the power control unit 25 outputs a control command to the power control circuit 22 to change the power supplied to the load 7 based on the dimming information included in the operation signal so that the load 7 is turned on at a dimming level that is darker than the current dimming level by the amount of change represented by the dimming information. The power control circuit 22 changes the power supplied to the load 7 in accordance with the control command, and turns on the load 7 at a dimming level that is darker than the current dimming level by the amount of change represented by the dimming information.

[0076] Furthermore, when a user performs a tap operation by tapping the operation surface 500 once with a finger, the touch sensor 52 outputs a detection result of the tap operation to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 generates inversion information for inverting the on / off state of the lighting load based on the detection result of the touch sensor 52, and causes the communication unit 51 to transmit an operation signal including this inversion information to the control device 2. When the wired communication unit 21 of the control device 2 receives the operation signal from the touch operation module 5, the power control unit 25 turns off the load 7 by stopping the power supply to the load 7 if it is currently on, based on the inversion information included in the operation signal, or turns on the load 7 by starting the power supply to the load 7 if it is currently off.

[0077] Since any of a plurality of types of operation modules 3 can be connected to the control device 2 of this embodiment, an operation module 3 having a desired operation method can be connected to the control device 2 and used from among the plurality of types of operation modules 3. Therefore, even when the operation method of the operation module 3 is changed, there is no need to change the control device 2, which has the advantage of being able to easily accommodate changes in the operation method.

[0078] (4) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure, and various modifications can be made to the above embodiment depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0079] The following are examples of modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0080] The control device 2 and operation module 3 in the present disclosure include a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the control device 2 and operation module 3 in the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. 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). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or internal circuit partitions of the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to 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.

[0081] The shapes of the rotation operation module 4 and the touch operation module 5 described in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0082] The control system 1 of this embodiment includes a rotation operation module 4 and a touch operation module 5 as operation modules 3, but the operation module 3 is not limited to these operation modules. The operation module 3 may be, for example, a slide operation module that receives, as operation input, a slide operation in which a user slides an operation unit. The operation module 3 may also be, for example, a remote operation module that receives, as operation input, a signal transmitted from an infrared remote control device when the user operates the infrared remote control device. The operation module 3 may also be, for example, a voice operation module that receives, as operation input, voice information obtained by using a voice recognition engine to recognize the voice of a user uttering operation content.

[0083] The load 7 that is the control target of the control device 2 of this embodiment is, for example, a lighting fixture, but may also be a ventilation fan, a blower, or the like other than a lighting fixture.

[0084] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0085] The control device (2) of the first aspect includes a load connection unit (27), a connector (CN1), and a power control unit (25). A load (7) can be connected to the load connection unit (27). Any of multiple types of operation modules (3) can be connected to the connector (CN1). The multiple types of operation modules (3) are operated by different users and output operation signals in response to the user's operation. The power control unit (25) controls the power supplied to the load (7) connected to the load connection unit (27) based on the operation signal in response to the user's operation input from an operation module (3) connected to the connector (CN1) among the multiple types of operation modules (3).

[0086] According to this aspect, the control device (2) is compatible with multiple types of operation modules (3), and an operation module (3) having a desired operation method can be connected to the control device (2) for use. Therefore, when changing the operation method of the operation module (3), it is possible to change only the operation module (3), which makes it easier to change the operation method compared to replacing both the operation module (3) and the control device (2).

[0087] In the control device (2) of the second aspect, the multiple types of operation modules (3) in the first aspect include a rotation operation module (4). The rotation operation module (4) includes a rotation operation unit (46) rotatably arranged, a rotation detection unit (42) that detects the rotation of the rotation operation unit (46), and a control unit (40) that outputs an operation signal to the control device based on the detection result of the rotation detection unit (42).

[0088] According to this embodiment, by connecting the rotary operation module (4) to the control device (2), it is possible to change the power supplied to the load (7) in accordance with the rotation operation of the rotary operation part (46).

[0089] In the control device (2) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the control unit (40) calculates the rotation amount and rotation speed of the rotation operation unit (46) based on the detection result of the rotation detection unit (42), and outputs an operation signal based on the calculation results of the rotation amount and rotation speed to the power control unit (25).

[0090] According to this aspect, the control unit (40) of the rotation operation module (4) calculates the rotation amount and rotation speed of the rotation operation unit (46) and transmits an operation signal based on the calculation results of the rotation amount and rotation speed to the control device (2), thereby reducing the load of calculation processing on the control device (2).

[0091] In the control device (2) of a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the plurality of types of operation modules (3) includes a touch operation module (5). The touch operation module (5) includes a touch sensor (52) that receives a touch operation from a user, and a control unit (50) that outputs an operation signal to the control device (2) based on the touch operation received by the touch sensor (52).

[0092] According to this embodiment, by connecting the touch operation module (5) to the control device (2), it is possible to change the power supplied to the load (7) in response to the touch operation.

[0093] In the control device (2) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the load (7) is a lighting load, and the power control unit (25) controls the power supplied to the lighting load so as to turn on the lighting load at a dimming level based on the operation signal.

[0094] According to this aspect, the dimming level of the lighting load can be changed in response to the operation input received by the operation module (3).

[0095] The control device (2) of a sixth aspect is in any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a setting operation unit (23) for inputting setting information related to a predetermined setting operation.

[0096] According to this aspect, the setting operation for the control device (2) can be performed using the setting operation unit (23) provided in the control device (2).

[0097] The control device (2) of the seventh aspect is the sixth aspect, further including a wireless communication unit (24) for wireless communication with an external communication device (8). The predetermined setting operation includes a registration operation for registering a communication device (8) that is permitted to communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit (24).

[0098] According to this aspect, a setting operation unit (23) provided in the control device (2) can be used to perform a registration operation to register a communication device (8) that is permitted to communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit (24).

[0099] In the control device (2) of the eighth aspect, in the sixth aspect, the predetermined setting operation includes an operation of setting at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit of the power supplied to the load (7).

[0100] According to this aspect, the setting operation unit (23) provided in the control device (2) can be used to set at least one of the upper limit and the lower limit of the power to be supplied to the load (7).

[0101] The control device (2) of the ninth aspect is the sixth aspect, further including a housing (200) that houses the load connection unit (27), the connector (CN1), the power control unit (25), and the setting operation unit (23). The setting operation unit (23) is provided on the surface of the housing (200) on which the connector (CN1) is provided.

[0102] According to this aspect, by removing the operation module (3) from the control device (2), the setting operation unit (23) is exposed, and setting work can be performed using the setting operation unit (23).

[0103] In the control device (2) of the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the power control unit (25) determines the type of the operation module (3) connected to the connector (CN1) based on type information transmitted from the operation module (3) connected to the connector (CN1) among the multiple types of operation modules (3).

[0104] According to this embodiment, regardless of which of the multiple types of operation modules (3) is connected to the connector (CN1), the power control unit (25) can control the supply power based on an operation signal corresponding to the type of operation module (3).

[0105] A control system (1) of an eleventh aspect includes the control device (2) of any one of the first to tenth aspects, and an operation module (3) connected to the connector (CN1) of the control device (2).

[0106] According to this aspect, the control device (2) is compatible with multiple types of operation modules (3), and an operation module (3) having a desired operation method can be connected to the control device (2) for use. Therefore, when changing the operation method of the operation module (3), it is possible to change only the operation module (3), which makes it easier to change the operation method compared to replacing both the operation module (3) and the control device (2).

[0107] In a control system (1) of a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the operation module (3) includes a rotation operation module (4). The rotation operation module (4) includes a rotation operation unit (46) rotatably arranged, a rotation detection unit (42) that detects the rotation of the rotation operation unit (46), and a control unit (40) that outputs an operation signal to the power control unit (25) based on the detection result of the rotation detection unit (42).

[0108] According to this embodiment, by connecting the rotary operation module (4) to the control device (2), it is possible to change the power supplied to the load (7) in accordance with the rotation operation of the rotary operation part (46).

[0109] In a control system (1) of a thirteenth aspect, in the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the operation module (3) includes a touch operation module (5). The touch operation module (5) includes a touch sensor (52) that receives a touch operation from a user, and a control unit (50) that outputs an operation signal to the power control unit (25) based on the touch operation received by the touch sensor (52).

[0110] According to this embodiment, by connecting the touch operation module (5) to the control device (2), it is possible to change the power supplied to the load (7) in response to the touch operation.

[0111] The configurations according to the second to tenth aspects are not essential for the control device (2) and can be omitted as appropriate. The configurations according to the twelfth and thirteenth aspects are not essential for the control system (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Control System 2. Control device 3 Operation Module 4 Rotational Operation Module 5 Touch Operation Module 7 Load 8. Communications Equipment 23 Setting operation section 24 Radio Communication Department 25 Power Control Unit 27 Load connection 40,50 Control unit 42 Rotation detection unit 46 Rotation control unit 52 Touch Sensor 200 cabinets CN1 connector

Claims

1. a load connection portion to which a load can be connected; a connector to which any of a plurality of types of operation modules, each of which has a different operation method by a user and outputs an operation signal in response to the operation by the user, can be connected; a power control unit that controls power supplied to the load connected to the load connection unit based on an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation input from an operation module connected to the connector among the plurality of types of operation modules; a setting operation unit for inputting setting information relating to a predetermined setting operation, the predetermined setting operation includes an operation of setting at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit of power supplied to the load, Control device.

2. the plurality of types of operation modules includes a rotation operation module; The rotation operation module includes: a rotation operation unit that is rotatably arranged; a rotation detection unit that detects rotation of the rotary operation unit; a control unit that outputs the operation signal to the control device based on the detection result of the rotation detection unit, The control device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit calculates a rotation amount and a rotation speed of the rotary operation unit based on a detection result of the rotation detection unit, and outputs the operation signal based on the calculation results of the rotation amount and the rotation speed to the power control unit. The control device according to claim 2 .

4. the plurality of types of operation modules include a touch operation module; The touch operation module includes: a touch sensor that receives a touch operation by the user; a control unit that outputs the operation signal to the control device based on the touch operation received by the touch sensor, The control device according to claim 1 .

5. the load is a lighting load; the power control unit controls the power supplied to the lighting load so as to turn on the lighting load at a dimming level based on the operation signal. The control device according to claim 1 .

6. Further comprising a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external communication device, the predetermined setting operation includes a registration operation of registering the communication device that is permitted to communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication unit, The control device according to claim 1 .

7. A load connection section to which a load can be connected; a connector to which any of a plurality of types of operation modules, each of which has a different operation method by a user and outputs an operation signal in response to the operation by the user, can be connected; a power control unit that controls power supplied to the load connected to the load connection unit based on an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation input from an operation module connected to the connector among the plurality of types of operation modules; a setting operation unit for inputting setting information relating to a predetermined setting operation; a housing that houses the load connection unit, the connector, the power control unit, and the setting operation unit, the setting operation unit is provided on the surface of the housing on which the connector is provided; Control device.

8. A load connection section to which a load can be connected; a connector to which any of a plurality of types of operation modules, each of which has a different operation method by a user and outputs an operation signal in response to the operation by the user, can be connected; a power control unit that controls power supplied to the load connected to the load connection unit based on an operation signal corresponding to an operation by the user input from an operation module connected to the connector among the plurality of types of operation modules, the power control unit determines the type of the operation module connected to the connector based on type information transmitted from the operation module connected to the connector among the plurality of types of operation modules; Control device.

9. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: an operation module connected to the connector of the control device. Control system.

10. The manipulation module includes a rotation manipulation module, The rotation operation module includes: a rotation operation unit that is rotatably arranged; a rotation detection unit that detects rotation of the rotary operation unit; a control unit that outputs the operation signal to the power control unit based on a detection result of the rotation detection unit, 10. The control system of claim 9.

11. The operation module includes a touch operation module, The touch operation module includes: a touch sensor that receives a touch operation by the user; a control unit that outputs the operation signal to the power control unit based on a touch operation received by the touch sensor, 10. The control system of claim 9.

Images