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

Abstract

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an operator, a communication system, an operator handle, and an operator body that can improve the configuration freedom of the operating handle. The operator (1) disclosed herein includes a base plate (7), a housing (2), and an operating handle (3). The housing (2) houses the base plate (7). The operating handle (3) has an operating surface (31A) for receiving operations and is mounted on the housing (2) in a state where a push-button switch (6) can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface (31A). A housing-side opening (20) is provided on the housing (2) through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit. On the operating surface (31A) of the operating handle (3), a handle-side opening (30X) is provided through which light passing through the housing-side opening (20) passes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an operator, a communication system, an operating handle, and an operator body. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an operator, a communication system, an operating handle, and an operator body for operating a load. Prior Technology

[0002] Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 10-210566) discloses a lighting control system comprising a lighting control device and an operating terminal. A plurality of operation buttons for operating a plurality of operation switches are disposed on the front surface of the operating terminal. Furthermore, a red light-emitting diode and a green light-emitting diode are disposed on the front surface of the operating terminal, corresponding to each of the plurality of operation buttons. The red light-emitting diode is disposed near one end of the operation button, and the green light-emitting diode is disposed near the other end of the operation button. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an operator, communication system, operating handle, and operator body that can improve the configuration freedom of the operating handle.

[0004] The operator disclosed herein includes a substrate, a housing, and an operating handle. The substrate comprises a display light-emitting unit, a communication light-emitting unit, a communication light-receiving unit, and a push-button switch. The housing houses the substrate. The operating handle has an operating surface for receiving operations and is mounted on the housing so that the push-button switch can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface. The housing has a housing-side opening through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit. The operating surface of the operating handle has a handle-side opening through which light passing through the housing-side opening passes.

[0005] The communication system disclosed herein includes the aforementioned operator and a communication device for communicating with the aforementioned operator.

[0006] The operating handle disclosed herein comprises: a body having an operating surface; and a mounting portion, which mounts the body to the housing of the operator in a state where a push-button switch can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface. The operator comprises a substrate and the housing. A display light-emitting unit, a communication light-emitting unit, a communication light-receiving unit, and the push-button switch are provided on the substrate. The housing houses the substrate. The housing has a housing-side opening through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit. On the operating surface of the body, a handle-side opening is provided through which light passing through the housing-side opening passes.

[0007] The disclosed embodiment of the operator body includes: a substrate having a display light-emitting part, a communication light-emitting part, a communication light-receiving part, and a push-button switch; and a housing for housing the substrate. The housing includes a support for mounting an operating handle in a state where the push-button switch can be pressed. The housing has a side opening through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part and the light received by the communication light-receiving part passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting part. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0008] Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the operator. Figure 2 is a front view of the device after removing the four operating handles and the housing cover. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line II shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the aforementioned manipulator. Figure 5 is a top view of the main part of the base plate in the above-mentioned operator. Figure 6 is a rear view of the aforementioned operator. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of one part of the above-mentioned actuator (operating handle). Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the operating handle of the above-mentioned operator as seen from the rear side. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the aforementioned operating handle from the rear side. Figure 10 is a front view of the aforementioned housing cover. Figure 11A is a bottom view omitting the mounting frame in the aforementioned operator. Figure 11B is an enlarged view of the main parts of Figure 11A. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the aforementioned shell. Figure 13A is a front view of the main parts of the actuator with the operating handle removed. Figure 13B is a front view of the main parts of the actuator with the optical components removed. Figure 13C is a front view of the main parts of another example of the housing side opening in the housing. Figure 14 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a load system equipped with the above-mentioned actuators. Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of the above-mentioned manipulator. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting operation of the above-mentioned operator. Figure 17 is a front view of a variation of the above-mentioned actuator (cantilever type actuator). Figure 18 is a view before removing the four operating handles and the housing cover in the above variation example. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of line II-II shown in Figure 17. Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of one part (the operating handle) of the above-mentioned variation example. Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the operating handle in the above-mentioned variation example, viewed from the rear side. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the operating handle in the above-mentioned variation example, viewed from the rear side. Figure 23 is a front view of the casing in the above-described variation example. Figure 24 is a bottom view of the installation frame in the above variation example, omitting the actual frame. Figure 25A is a front view of the main parts of the modified example with the operating handle removed. Figure 25B is a front view of the main parts of the modified example with the optical components removed. Figure 26 is a front view of another variation of the above-mentioned operator. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of line III-III shown in Figure 26. Implementation

[0009] The embodiments and variations described below are merely examples of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and variations. Even in addition to the embodiments and variations described below, various modifications can be made according to design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical concept of this disclosure. The embodiments and variations described below can be appropriately combined and applied. Furthermore, Figures 1-13 and 16-27 described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures may not reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] (Implementation Mode) Hereinafter, the operator 1, communication system 110, load system 100 and load control system 120 of this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 16.

[0011] (1) Summary The following is a summary description of the operator 1 in this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figures 3, 7 and 8, the operator 1 includes a base plate 7, a housing 2 and an operating handle 3.

[0013] The substrate 7 is provided with a display light-emitting part 10, a communication light-emitting part X1, a communication light-receiving part Y1, and a push button switch 6 (see Figure 2).

[0014] The casing 2 houses the base plate 7.

[0015] The operating handle 3 has an operating surface 31A for accepting operations. The operating handle 3 is mounted on the housing 2 so that the push-button switch 6 can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface 31A.

[0016] A housing-side opening 20 is provided in the housing 2. At least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1 and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1, and the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit 10 (10A~10D) can pass through the housing-side opening 20.

[0017] On the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3, there is a handle-side opening 30X that allows light to pass through the housing-side opening 20.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 7, and 8, the operating handle 3 includes: a body 31 having an operating surface 31A; and a mounting portion 3X, which allows the body 31 to be mounted on the housing 2 of the operator 1 according to the state of pressing the button switch 6 by operating the operating surface 31A. The operator 1 includes a substrate 7 and a housing 2. A display light-emitting part 10, a communication light-emitting part X1, a communication light-receiving part Y1, and a button switch 6 are provided on the substrate 7. The housing 2 houses the substrate 7. A housing-side opening 20 is provided on the housing 2, through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part X1 and the light received by the communication light-receiving part Y1, and the light emitted by the display light-emitting part 10, can pass. A handle-side opening 30X is provided on the operating surface 31A of the body 31, through which light passing through the housing-side opening 20 can pass.

[0019] In recent years, universal design has also been required for operators used for operational loads. In the operator terminal of Reference 1, red and green light-emitting diodes are arranged on the front surface of the operator terminal in places other than the operation buttons. Therefore, the arrangement space of the light-emitting diodes may impair the freedom of arrangement of the operation buttons (operation handles).

[0020] In the operator 1 of this embodiment, at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part X1 and the light received by the communication light-receiving part Y1, and the light emitted by the display light-emitting part 10, can pass through the handle-side opening 30X provided on the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3. Therefore, the operating handle 3 can also be arranged in the housing 2 within the space where at least one of the communication light-emitting part X1 and the communication light-receiving part Y1 and the display light-emitting part 10 are arranged, which has the advantage of increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the operating handle 3.

[0021] Furthermore, compared to the case where an opening is provided separately for at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1 and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1, and an opening for the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit 10, the possibility of compromising the design can be reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, compared to the case where an opening is provided on the surface of the operator 1, other than the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3, for at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part X1 and the light received by the communication light-receiving part Y1, and for the light emitted by the display light-emitting part 10 to pass through, the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 can also be enlarged.

[0023] (2) Composition (2-1) Overall Composition The operator 1 and the communication system 110 equipped with the operator 1 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0024] The communication system 110 includes an operator 1 and a communication device 111 that communicates with the operator 1 (see Figure 14).

[0025] The communication system 110 is used, for example, in facilities such as office buildings, shops, hospitals, schools, or factories. A communication device 111 and an operator 1 are provided in the facility. Furthermore, a lighting fixture A1, a relay Ry1, and a control terminal 9 are provided in the facility. The relay Ry1 has contacts connected between the AC power supply and the lighting fixture A1, and the contacts are switched to ON or OFF according to a switching signal from the control terminal 9. The control terminal 9 switches the contacts to ON or OFF by outputting a switching signal to the relay Ry1, thereby switching between the state of supplying power to the lighting fixture A1 from the AC power supply and the state of cutting off the power supply.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the load system 100 of this embodiment includes an operator 1 and a load L1. The load system 100 may have one or more loads L1 (e.g., two lighting fixtures A1). In the example of Figure 14, both the relay Ry1 and the control terminal 9 are included as components of the load system 100, but at least one of them may not be included as a component of the load system 100. Also, when the relay Ry1 is conceived as a load L1, the lighting fixture A1 may not be included as a component of the load system 100.

[0027] Furthermore, a load control system 120 is established by a communication system 110 equipped with an operator 1 and a communication device 111, a control terminal 9, and a load L1 (e.g., a lighting fixture A1) that controls the load L1. The load L1 is not limited to the lighting fixture A1; it can also be a relay Ry1 used to switch between supplying power to the lighting fixture A1 and cutting off the power supply. The load L1 can also be a relay used to switch between supplying power to electrical machinery other than the lighting fixture A1, such as an exhaust fan, and cutting off the power supply. In the following description, the case where the load L1 is the lighting fixture A1 will be used as an example. Also, in Figure 14, there is one operator 1, but there can be two or more operator 1s. In Figure 14, there are two control terminal 9s, but there can be one or three or more control terminal 9s. In Figure 14, a relay Ry1 is connected to control terminal 9, which controls the lighting / extinguishing of one lighting fixture A1. However, two or more relays Ry1 can also be connected to one control terminal 9, allowing one control terminal 9 to control the lighting / extinguishing of two or more lighting fixtures A1. Furthermore, in the following description, when distinguishing between two lighting fixtures A1, they are referred to as lighting fixtures A11 and A12; similarly, when distinguishing between two control terminals 9, they are sometimes referred to as control terminals 91 and 92.

[0028] The operator 1, the communication device 111 and the two control terminals 9 are electrically connected to the two-wire transmission line 112.

[0029] The operator 1 has a plurality of (e.g., 8) push-button switches 6. Each of the plurality of push-button switches 6 is assigned a load address. The load address is, for example, composed of a load channel and a load number. When any of the plurality of push-button switches 6 is pressed, the operator 1 sends the load address assigned to the pressed push-button switch 6 to the communication device 111.

[0030] Each control terminal 9 is assigned an individual address. Similarly, each relay Ry1 connected to the control terminal 9 is assigned an individual address. The address formed by combining the address of the control terminal 9 and the address of the relay Ry1 becomes the address of the load L1 of the controlled object. When the control terminal 9 receives a control command from the communication device 111, it controls the relay Ry1 of the controlled object to be turned on or off according to the received control command, thereby turning the lighting fixture A1 on or off. Furthermore, the control terminal 9 can also perform dimming control of the lighting fixture A1 according to the received control command.

[0031] The communication device 111 has a memory that stores the correspondence between the load addresses of the plurality of push-button switches 6 provided by the operator 1 and the addresses of the load L1 of the controlled object. The communication device 111 communicates with the operator 1 and two control terminals 9 connected to the transmission line 112 via a multiple transmission method. The communication device 111 performs a constant polling to sequentially access the operator 1 and the two control terminals 9 to obtain information from them. When any of the plurality of push-button switches 6 provided by the operator 1 is pressed, the operator 1 sends an interrupt signal to the communication device 111. When the communication device 111 receives the interrupt signal, it accesses the operator 1 that sent the interrupt signal and obtains the load address of the pressed push-button switch 6 from the operator 1. When the communication device 111 obtains the load address of the pressed push-button switch 6, it obtains the address of the load L1 of the controlled object corresponding to that load address and sends a control command to the control terminal 9 corresponding to the obtained address. For example, if the load address of the pressed push-button switch 6 corresponds to the lighting fixture A11 connected to the control terminal 91, then the communication device 111 sends a control command to the control terminal 91. Similarly, if the load address of the pressed push-button switch 6 corresponds to the lighting fixture A12 connected to the control terminal 92, then the communication device 111 sends a control command to the control terminal 92. When the control terminal 9 receives the control command from the communication device 111, it controls the relay Ry1 of the controlled object to be turned on or off according to the control command, causing the lighting fixture A1 to light up, turn off, or dim.

[0032] The load addresses assigned to the push-button switch 6 include individual control addresses, group control addresses, and mode control addresses. When a push-button switch 6 with an assigned individual control address is pressed, the communication device 111 sends a control command to the control terminal 9 corresponding to the individual control address, causing one lighting fixture A1 corresponding to the individual control address to light up, turn off, or dim. When a push-button switch 6 with an assigned group control address is pressed, the communication device 111 sends a control command to one or more control terminal 9s corresponding to the group control address. Based on the control command from the communication device 111, one or more control terminal 9s corresponding to the group control address simultaneously light up, turn off, or dim. Furthermore, when a push-button switch 6 with an assigned mode control address is pressed, the communication device 111 sends a control command to one or more control terminal 9s corresponding to the mode control address. One or more control terminals 9, corresponding to the mode control address, control each of the plurality of lighting fixtures A1 to a state specified by the control command (on, off, or dimmed on) based on the control command from the communication device 111.

[0033] Furthermore, the transmission signal sent from the communication device 111 to the transmission line 112 is a multipolar (±24 V) time-division multiplexing signal. By rectifying and stabilizing the transmission signal sent by the communication device 111, the operating power of the internal circuits of the operator 1 and the two control terminals 9 is generated.

[0034] (2-2) Operator The structure of the operator 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Although the direction of the operator 1 is defined below based on the arrows in Figures 1 and 3 that do not accompany the physical object (up / down, left / right, forward / backward), this does not limit the intended use of the operator 1. Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of the operator 1.

[0035] The operator 1 includes a signal processing unit 15, a plurality of push-button switches 6, a display light-emitting unit 10, a setting communication unit 16, a communication unit 17, a memory unit 18, and a power supply unit 19. Furthermore, the operator 1 includes a pair of first connection terminals 81 and a pair of second connection terminals 82.

[0036] A pair of transmission lines 112 are connected to a pair of first connection terminals 81 and a pair of second connection terminals 82 respectively. The pair of first connection terminals 81 and the pair of second connection terminals 82 are electrically connected inside the operator 1, for example, the pair of second connection terminals 82 are used as terminals for transmitting wiring.

[0037] The communication unit 17 is connected to a pair of transmission lines 112 via a pair of first connection terminals 81 and a pair of second connection terminals 82. Thus, the communication unit 17 is branched to the pair of transmission lines 112. The communication unit 17 communicates with the communication device 111 via the pair of transmission lines 112 in a multi-transmission mode.

[0038] The power supply unit 19 generates operating power for the internal circuitry of the operator 1 by rectifying and stabilizing the transmission signals sent from the self-communication device 111 to a pair of transmission lines 112.

[0039] The setting communication unit 16 includes the aforementioned communication light-emitting unit X1 and communication light-receiving unit Y1. The setting communication unit 16 communicates with the address setting device 500 (see Figure 16). The communication light-emitting unit X1 sends a signal to the setting device 500 using infrared light, and the communication light-receiving unit Y1 receives the infrared light sent from the setting device 500, thus enabling optical communication using infrared light between the two devices. The setting device 500 is used to set the load address for each of the plurality of push-button switches 6 provided on the operator 1.

[0040] The signal processing unit 15 performs overall control of the operator 1. The signal processing unit 15 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The functions of the signal processing unit 15 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing the program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program can be recorded in memory, provided through electrical communication lines such as the Internet, or provided through non-temporary recording media such as memory cards.

[0041] The memory unit 18 may include, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The memory unit 18 may store, for example, the program executed by the signal processing unit 15. The memory unit 18 may also store, for example, the load addresses allocated to each of the plurality of push-button switches 6.

[0042] The operator 1 includes a housing 2, one or more (four in Figure 1) operating handles 3, a base plate 7, and a mounting frame 5. Furthermore, the operator 1 includes one or more (eight in Figure 2) push-button switches 6, a display light-emitting unit 10, one or more (two in Figure 2) communication light-emitting units X1, and one or more (two in Figure 2) communication light-receiving units Y1. The operator 1 also includes a quick-connect terminal block 8 (see Figure 6).

[0043] Furthermore, the controller body 1X is formed by removing the operating handle 3 from the controller 1 (see Figures 4 and 7). The controller body 1X includes a substrate 7 and a housing 2. A display light-emitting unit 10, a communication light-emitting unit X1, a communication light-receiving unit Y1, and a push-button switch 6 are provided on the substrate 7. The housing 2 houses the substrate 7. The housing 2 has a support 23 for mounting the operating handle 3 in a state where the push-button switch 6 can be pressed. The housing 2 has a housing-side opening 20 through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1 and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1 passes, and the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit 10 passes.

[0044] The display light-emitting part 10 has one or more (eight in Figure 2) light-emitting groups G1. As shown in Figure 2, each light-emitting group G1 includes a first light-emitting part 11 and a second light-emitting part 12. In summary, the operator 1 has a plurality of operating handles 3, and the operator 1 also has a plurality of light-emitting groups G1 including the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12. In addition, the operator 1 has the same number of light-emitting groups G1 as the push-button switches 6.

[0045] (2-2-1) Operating handle In this embodiment, the operator 1 includes, for example, a mounting frame 5 with dimensions of a large square wiring harness for three-way switches (a mounting frame for three-way switches) standardized according to Japanese industrial standards. In this embodiment, the number of operating handles 3 is four. Furthermore, each operating handle 3 is a seesaw-type operating handle where pressing one end causes it to move backward while the other moves forward, and vice versa. However, the number of push-button switches 6 pressed by each operating handle 3 is two (i.e., a total of eight). The two push-button switches 6 corresponding to each operating handle 3 are arranged with a specified interval in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the two push-button switches 6 corresponding to each operating handle 3 will sometimes be simply referred to as "left and right push-button switches 6," one as "right push-button switch 6," and the other as "left push-button switch 6." Furthermore, in the operator 1 equipped with 8 push-button switches 6, the 4 push-button switches 6 on the right are assigned load channels that are common, and the load addresses with different load numbers are assigned to each other. Also, the 4 push-button switches 6 on the left are assigned load channels that are common, and the load addresses with different load numbers are assigned to each other.

[0046] The number of operating handles 3 is not limited to 4. For example, the number of operating handles 3 can be any one to three, or even more than five. Furthermore, the number of push-button switches 6 is not limited to a total of 8. As in the variation example (operator 1A) described later, the number of push-button switches 6 pressed by each operating handle 3 can also be 1.

[0047] As described above, the operator 1 has four operating handles 3 (see Figure 1). The four operating handles 3 are positioned within the housing 2. Each operating handle 3 is used to switch the state of a load L1 (in this embodiment, either a lighting fixture A1 or a relay Ry1). In this embodiment, each operating handle 3 can individually switch the state of two different loads L1 (lighting fixture A1 or relay Ry1).

[0048] The four operating handles 3 are arranged vertically when viewed from the front. The four operating handles 3 have the same structure. Hereinafter, when describing the four operating handles 3 (operating parts) in a way that distinguishes them from each other, they are sometimes referred to as the first operating handle 3A, the second operating handle 3B, the third operating handle 3C, and the fourth operating handle 3D in sequence from top to bottom.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 7 to 9, each operating handle 3 (operating part) has a body part 31, a nameplate 32, a cover part 33 and a light-transmitting cover 4.

[0050] The body portion 31 is formed into a rectangular plate that is elongated in the left-right direction. The body portion 31 is, for example, made of resin.

[0051] When viewed from the front, the main body 31 has an elongated opening 30 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG13B, when viewed from the front, the opening 30 includes a first opening 301 on the right, a second opening 302 on the left, and a third opening 303 located in the center. In this embodiment, the first opening 301 and the third opening 303 are spatially connected, and the second opening 302 and the third opening 303 are spatially connected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG13B, the "handle-side opening 30X" in this disclosure corresponds to each of the first opening 301 on the right and the second opening 302 on the left. In other words, the operating handle 3 has a handle-side opening 30X. Also, as shown in FIG13B, the "window" in this disclosure corresponds to the third opening 303 located in the center. That is, a window (third opening 303) is provided on the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 at a location different from the handle-side opening 30X. For example, when a nameplate 32 is provided on the back side of the operating handle 3, the text of the nameplate 32 can be viewed through the window (third opening 303). Here, the handle-side opening 30X is connected to the window (third opening 303). Compared with the case where the handle-side opening 30X and the window (third opening 303) are provided separately, it is easier to manufacture the operating handle 3.

[0052] The handle-side opening 30X is formed into a slit shape. In this embodiment, the handle-side opening 30X is a rectangular hole that is elongated in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. Light emitted from the handle-side opening 30X (light from the first light-emitting part 11, the second light-emitting part 12, etc.) from the housing-side opening 20 of the housing 2 (described later) is emitted from the handle-side opening 30X.

[0053] The main body 31 has a flat operating surface 31A on its front side (see Figures 1, 3, and 7). The operating surface 31A is the surface surrounding the opening 30, and is the surface that is pressed by the user. In addition to the operating surface 31A, the surface 40 of the light-transmitting cover 4 embedded in the opening 30 (see Figures 1, 3, and 7) can also be the surface that is pressed by the user. When the following description refers to "pressing the operating surface 31A (surface 40)," it means that at least one of the operating surface 31A of the main body 31 and the surface 40 of the light-transmitting cover 4 is pressed.

[0054] The user presses the operating handle 3 by applying pressure to the area near the right or left end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) with their fingertips. The direction of the user's pressing on the operating handle 3 is roughly equivalent to the rear.

[0055] The main body 31 has a pair of locking portions at its left and right ends on the back surface 31B opposite to the operating surface 31A, which correspond to the mounting portion 3X. Hereinafter, the right locking portion of the pair of locking portions will be referred to as "first locking portion 311" and the left locking portion will be referred to as "second locking portion 312" (see Figures 7, 8 and 9).

[0056] The first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 are formed symmetrically from left to right. Each of the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 has a pair of locking tabs 3100 protruding rearward. Each locking tab 3100 is formed in the shape of a claw with its end protruding outward. Each locking tab 3100 is inserted into one of the corresponding locking holes 212 (see Figures 7 and 10) provided in the cover 21 of the housing 2. In addition, when the right end (or left end) of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the main body 31 rotates in such a way that the right end (or left end) of the main body 31 retracts and the left end (or right end) extends forward. However, in this state, the length of each locking tab 3100 is set such that the claw-shaped end of the locking tab 3100 provided in the left end (or right end) contacts the periphery of the locking hole 212.

[0057] Furthermore, the main body 31 has a pair of retaining portions at its upper and lower ends on the back side 31B, which correspond to the mounting portion 3X. Hereinafter, the upper retaining portion of the pair of retaining portions will be referred to as "first retaining portion 313" and the lower retaining portion will be referred to as "second retaining portion 314" (see Figures 7, 8, 9, and 11A).

[0058] The first retaining part 313 and the second retaining part 314 respectively retain one of the pairs of rotating shafts 230 provided in the support part 23 of the cover 21 of the housing 2 (see Figures 7, 10, and 11A). Each of the first retaining part 313 and the second retaining part 314 is constructed as a protruding piece that protrudes rearward from the back surface 31B of the main body part 31. The end of each of the first retaining part 313 and the second retaining part 314 has a recessed notch 315 that is recessed forward (see Figures 8 and 9), and the corresponding rotating shaft 230 is pressed in and embedded into the notch 315. As a result, the main body part 31 (i.e., the operating handle 3) is supported by the support part 23 and can rotate like a seesaw within a specified angle range around the pair of rotating shafts 230.

[0059] In summary, the operating handle 3 has a mounting portion 3X for mounting on the housing 2. The mounting portion 3X includes the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312, as well as the first retaining portion 313 and the second retaining portion 314.

[0060] Furthermore, the radius of the front semi-cylindrical portion of each pair of rotating shafts 230 is slightly larger than the radius of the rear semi-cylindrical portion. A step 232 is formed between the front and rear semi-cylindrical portions on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 230 (see Figure 11B). On the other hand, claw portions 3151 are provided in the recesses 315 of the first retaining portion 313 and the second retaining portion 314 at positions corresponding to the step 232 of the rotating shaft 230 (see Figure 9). Therefore, when the rotating shaft 230 is inserted into the recesses 315 of the first retaining portion 313 and the second retaining portion 314 (see Figure 11B), the claw portions 3151 hook onto the step 232, preventing the rotating shaft 230 from easily detaching from the first retaining portion 313 and the second retaining portion 314. The main body portion 31 has a retaining structure with a retaining cover portion 33 on the back side 31B. Specifically, the body portion 31 has a pair of bearing portions 316 (see Figures 8 and 9) and a pair of protrusions 317 (see Figure 8). The pair of bearing portions 316 are provided on the left and right sides of the second retaining portion 314 at the lower end of the body portion 31 on the back side 31B. The pair of bearing portions 316 respectively retain one pair of shaft portions 331 of the cover portion 33 (see Figures 8 and 9). The pair of protrusions 317 are provided on the left and right sides of the first retaining portion 313 at the upper end of the body portion 31 on the back side 31B. Each of the pair of protrusions 317 has a hole 318 for inserting the tab 332 (see Figure 8) of the cover portion 33.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the sign 32 is formed as a rectangular plate that is elongated in the left-right direction. The sign 32 is made of resin, for example. The sign 32 is disposed between the rear surface of the light-transmitting cover 4 embedded in the opening 30 of the operating handle 3 and the cover 33. The name associated with the load L1 whose state is switched by operating the operating handle 3 can be marked on the sign 32. For example, the name "Meeting Room 1" corresponding to the location where the load L1 is installed can be marked. For example, the user of the operating device 1 can appropriately write the name on the surface of the sign 32. The sign 32 is disposed on the back side 31B of the main body 31, facing the third opening 303 of the main body 31, separating the light-transmitting cover 4. When viewed from the front, the sign 32 is substantially the same shape and size as the third opening 303. The cover 33 is disposed on the back side of the sign 32. Furthermore, in the light-transmitting cover 4, a cover member 42 is disposed at the location of the third opening 303, which serves as the window opening. That is, the operating handle 3 has a light-transmitting cover member 42 disposed at the window opening (third opening 303). In this disclosure, a light-transmitting member means a member that has at least one of the properties of transmitting light (visible light and / or infrared light, etc.) and guiding light (visible light and / or infrared light, etc.).

[0062] A cover portion 33 is provided on the surface opposite to the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of the cover member 42 on the operating handle 3. The cover portion 33 is made of resin, for example. The cover portion 33 is formed into a rectangular plate with a long side and a short side. The cover portion 33 is arranged such that a nameplate 32 is sandwiched between the cover portion 4 (cover member 42) and the rear surface. The text of the nameplate 32 disposed between the cover portion 33 and the light-transmitting cover 4 (cover member 42) can be viewed from the outside through the window (third opening 303). In addition, the cover portion 33 has a first end portion 33A and a second end portion 33B facing each other (see Figures 8 and 9). The first end portion 33A and the second end portion 33B of the cover portion 33 face each other in the direction of the short side. And, with the first end portion 33A rotatable around the second end portion 33B, the second end portion 33B of the cover portion 33 is supported on the operating handle 3 (body portion 31). Therefore, the sign 32 can be installed or removed while the cover 33 is open.

[0063] Furthermore, the cover portion 33 is formed into a rectangular plate shape, but the shape of the cover portion 33 when viewed from above can be appropriately changed. At the second end portion 33B, which becomes the center of rotation, a V-shaped recess can also be provided to avoid interference with the second holding portion 314.

[0064] Specifically, the cover 33 has a pair of shaft portions 331 at its second end 33B (lower end) (see Figures 7 and 8). Furthermore, the cover 33 has a pair of tabs 332 at its first end 33A (upper end) (see Figures 7 and 8). The cover 33 is held in place by the shaft portions 331 within the bearing portion 316 of the body portion 31, and is rotatably held in place of the body portion 31 between an open position where the label 32 can be removed and a closed position where the label 32 is covered, with the shaft portions 331 serving as the axis of rotation. When pressed further forward with a fingertip or similar object in the closed position, one pair of tabs 332 of the cover 33 respectively engages with one pair of holes 318 in the body portion 31, thus preventing the cover 33 from opening.

[0065] The cover 33 has a pair of protruding contact portions 334 near each of its left and right ends on its back side (see Figure 8: a total of 4). The contact portions 334 are arranged opposite to the pressing portions 210 provided on the cover 21 of the housing 2, which will be described later. By contacting the pressing portions 210, the contact portions 334 transmit the pressing operation from the user to the pressing portions 210 on the operating surface 31A (surface 40). Even when no pressing operation is performed, the contact portions 334 may still make slight contact with the pressing portions 210. Alternatively, when no pressing operation is performed, the contact portions 334 may separate from the pressing portions 210 and make contact with the pressing portions 210 upon being pressed.

[0066] The cover 33 has a grip portion 333 on its back side, which can be pinched by the user's fingers (see Figure 8). Specifically, the grip portion 333 is provided on the side of the cover 33 opposite to the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3, protruding in the opposite direction to the operating handle 3 from a position closer to the first end 33A (the upper end in this embodiment) than the second end 33B (the lower end in this embodiment). The grip portion 333 is T-shaped. With the operating handle 3 removed from the housing 2, the user can open the cover 33 by pinching the grip portion 333 and pulling. Furthermore, the shape of the grip portion 333 is not limited to a T-shape and can be modified appropriately.

[0067] A light-transmitting cover 4 is disposed within the opening 30. The light-transmitting cover 4 is formed, for example, from a light-transmitting synthetic resin material such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin. The light-transmitting cover 4 is formed as a rectangular box with an open upper surface, lower surface, and back surface. In other words, the shape of the light-transmitting cover 4 when viewed from above is approximately U-shaped.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the light-transmitting cover 4 includes a pair of optical members 41 covering the left and right first openings 301 and second openings 302 (see Figure 13B), and a cover member 42 covering the central third opening 303. In this embodiment, the operating handle 3 has a light-transmitting optical member 41 disposed in the handle-side opening 30X, and a light-transmitting cover member 42 disposed in the window (third opening 303), with the optical member 41 and the cover member 42 integrally formed. Therefore, compared to the case where the optical member 41 and the cover member 42 are separate parts, there is an advantage in improving the workability of the assembly operation. Furthermore, the pair of optical members 41 and the cover member 42 are formed as a single continuous component, but they can also be independent components. Each pair of optical members 41 and the cover member 42 is light-transmitting, but it can also be light-guiding. For example, the optical component 41 may also have the function of guiding light from the display light-emitting unit 10 and the communication light-emitting unit X1 incident on the rear surface of the optical component 41 to the front surface of the optical component 41, and then emitting the light from the front surface of the optical component 41 to the outside. Furthermore, the optical component 41 may also have the function of guiding light from the setting device 500 incident on the front surface of the optical component 41 to the rear surface of the optical component 41, and then emitting the light from the rear surface of the optical component 41 to the communication light-receiving unit Y1.

[0069] Furthermore, a portion of the light-transmitting cover 4, namely the cover member 42, is formed into a rectangular plate shape. The sign 32 is disposed opposite to the cover member 42. The cover member 42 has a pair of protrusions 420 protruding from the upper and lower edges respectively (see Figures 7 and 8). By having the pair of protrusions 420 abut against the periphery of the third opening 303 from the back, the light-transmitting cover 4 can be prevented from falling off from the opening 30. Because the cover member 42 is light-transmitting, the user can see the name marked on the sign 32 through the cover member 42.

[0070] A pair of optical components 41 are respectively disposed at the left and right ends of the light-transmitting cover 4. The optical component 41 on the right side, by being disposed within the first opening 301, reduces the loss of light (visible light) from the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 (described later), and efficiently guides it to the outside (front) of the light-transmitting cover 4. In addition, only the fourth operating handle 3D of the four operating handles 3, in addition to the aforementioned visible light, can also pass through the optical component 41 with light (infrared light) from the communication light-emitting part X1 (see Figure 5) and light (infrared light) toward the communication light-receiving part Y1 (see Figure 5). Figure 5 is a top view of the main part of the area corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D in the substrate 7. Furthermore, the optical component 41 on the left side, by being disposed within the second opening 302, reduces the loss of light (visible light) from the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12, and efficiently guides it to the outside (front) of the light-transmitting cover 4. Furthermore, in the fourth operating handle 3D, in addition to the visible light described above, light (infrared light) from the communication light-emitting unit X1 and light (infrared light) directed towards the communication light-receiving unit Y1 (described later) can also pass through the optical member 41 on the left side. Thus, the operating handle 3 has a light-transmitting optical member 41 disposed in the handle-side opening 30X (first opening 301 and second opening 302). Therefore, in the first to third operating handles 3A to 3C, light from the display light-emitting unit 10 can be guided forward through the optical member 41. Also, in the fourth operating handle 3D, light from the display light-emitting unit 10 and light from the communication light-emitting unit X1 can be guided forward through the optical member 41, and light from the outside towards the communication light-receiving unit Y1 can be guided to the communication light-receiving unit Y1 through the optical member 41.

[0071] In this embodiment, each optical component 41 has a protrusion 410 protruding toward the housing 2 (see Figures 8 and 9). The protrusion 410 is formed into a generally rectangular column shape. That is, with the operating handle 3 installed in the housing 2, a protrusion 410 protruding toward the substrate 7 is provided on the light-transmitting cover 4. With the operating handle 3 installed in the housing 2, at least a portion of the protrusion 410 is inserted into the housing-side opening 20. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the protrusion 410 extends to the rearward side through the housing-side opening 20 of the cover 21, facing the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 of the substrate 7 housed in the housing 2 in a nearby manner. Only in the fourth operating handle 3D of the four operating handles 3, the protrusion 410 of each optical component 41 also faces the communication light-emitting part X1 and the communication light-receiving part Y1 installed on the substrate 7 in a nearby manner.

[0072] Users can view the light (visible light) from the first light-emitting unit 11 and the second light-emitting unit 12 through each optical component 41. A lens can also be provided on the rear surface of the optical component 41 to parallel the light incident on the rear surface of the display light-emitting unit 10 and the communication light-emitting unit X1. Furthermore, a lens can also be provided on the rear surface of the optical component 41 to focus the light emitted from the rear surface of the optical component 41 onto the communication light-receiving unit Y1. Additionally, a portion of the light from the first light-emitting unit 11 and the second light-emitting unit 12 can be guided out through the central cover component 42. The cover component 42 can be light-guiding, and the light from the display light-emitting unit 10 can be guided by the optical component 41 and the cover component 42, so that the light is emitted to the outside from the front surfaces of the optical component 41 and the cover component 42.

[0073] Furthermore, each optical component 41 has an outwardly protruding protrusion 411 (see Figures 7 and 8). By having a pair of protrusions 411 abut against the periphery of the first opening 301 and the second opening 302 from the back respectively, the light-transmitting cover 4 can be prevented from falling off from the opening 30.

[0074] Furthermore, each optical component 41 has a protrusion 412 protruding forward (see Figure 7). Since the protrusions 412 are respectively provided at the left and right ends of the surface 40 of the light-transmitting cover 4, the protrusion 412 provided at the left end of the surface 40 of the light-transmitting cover 4 is located at the left end of the opening 30, and the protrusion 412 provided at the right end of the surface 40 of the light-transmitting cover 4 is located at the right end of the opening 30 (see Figure 1). Therefore, when pressing (operating) the right or left side of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of the operating handle 3, it is advantageous to easily determine the position of the operating handle 3 by the position of the protrusions 412. Alternatively, the protrusion indicating the operating position can also be provided on the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 (i.e., the periphery of the opening 30), in which case the protrusions 412 of the optical components 41 are unnecessary.

[0075] When the operating handle 3, configured as described above, is installed on the housing 2, the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 are flexed towards each other, for example, with a fingertip. In this state, each locking piece 3100 is inserted from the front into the corresponding locking hole 212, and the operating handle 3 is pressed backward by inserting the rotating shaft 230 into the recess 315 of the first retaining portion 313 and the second retaining portion 314. As a result, the main body 31 is supported by the support portion 23, and the first locking portion 311 and the second locking portion 312 elastically recover in the direction of separation from each other, thus stably positioning each locking piece 3100 in the locking hole 212.

[0076] Even when the main body 31 is pulled forward, the ends of the locking tabs 3100 of the first locking part 311 and the second locking part 312 hook onto the periphery of the locking hole 212. Therefore, the main body 31 can be prevented from detaching from the support part 23. As a result, the operating handle 3 can be prevented from falling off the housing 2.

[0077] (2-2-2) Shell The shell 2 is formed in an elongated shape. In this embodiment, the shell 2 is formed as a rectangular box that is flat in the front-to-back direction and elongated in the top-to-bottom direction.

[0078] The housing 2 internally houses the substrate 7, etc. A quick-connect terminal block 8 is mounted on the second mounting surface 7B on the back side of the substrate 7 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 6, the quick-connect terminal block 8 is held exposed to the outside on the back side of the housing 2. As shown in Figure 12, the housing 2 includes a cover 21 and an outer shell 22. Both the cover 21 and the outer shell 22 are made of resin.

[0079] The cover 21 is formed as a rectangular box with an open rear surface. The cover 21 is assembled in such a way that it covers the (open) front surface of the outer shell 22.

[0080] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the cover 21, when viewed from the front, has one or more (four in this case) support portions 23 arranged in a vertical direction. As described above, each support portion 23 has a pair of rotating shafts 230 that are embedded in a pair of recesses 315 of the corresponding operating handle 3. Specifically, the support portion 23 further has a pair of generally triangular plate-shaped protrusions 231 (see Figures 10 and 12) that protrude forward from the front surface 21A of the cover 21. The pair of protrusions 231 are arranged with a specified interval in the vertical direction. The pair of rotating shafts 230 protrude from each other in the vertical direction away from the pair of protrusions 231.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, the cover 21, when viewed from the front, has one or more (in this case, four) pressing parts 210 arranged in a vertical direction. The four pressing parts 210 are respectively arranged to correspond to the four support parts 23. Specifically, each pressing part 210 is positioned between a pair of protrusions 231 spaced apart from the corresponding support part 23. Each pressing part 210 transmits the pressing operation of the operating handle 3 supported by its corresponding support part 23 to either of the left or right push-button switches 6. As shown in Figure 3, each pressing part 210 has a pair of pressing tabs 211 and a pair of extensions 213.

[0082] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, each of the pair of extensions 213 is generally T-shaped when viewed from the front. The pair of extensions 213 are arranged symmetrically from left to right when viewed from the front. The pair of extensions 213 are formed to extend in opposite directions in the left-right direction. A groove 214 penetrating the cover 21 in the front-back direction is formed in the surrounding area of ​​each extension 213. As a result, the end portion 213A of each extension 213 can move back and forth with its root as a fulcrum.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, each extension 213 extends obliquely, protruding forward from the root towards the end portion 213A. Therefore, when the user presses the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of the operating handle 3 with their fingertips, appropriate stress is applied from the extension 213 side. As a result, the tactile feedback is improved.

[0084] Each end portion 213A is an elongated block shape in the vertical direction. The pressing plate 211 protrudes rearward from the surface after the end portion 213A.

[0085] For example, when the right side of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of an operating handle 3 is pressed, a pair of contact portions 334 on the right side of the back of the cover portion 33 of the operating handle 3 transmit the pressure to the surface of the end portion 213A of the right extension portion 213. As a result, the right extension portion 213 flexes backward by elastic deformation, and its end portion 213A shifts backward, pressing the end of the pressing piece 211 down the right button switch 6.

[0086] Similarly, when the left side of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of a certain operating handle 3 is pressed, a pair of contact portions 334 on the left side of the back of the cover portion 33 of the operating handle 3 will transmit the pressure to the surface of the end portion 213A of the left extension portion 213. As a result, the left extension portion 213 flexes backward by elastic deformation, and its end portion 213A shifts backward, and the end of the pressing piece 211 presses the left button switch 6.

[0087] When the user finishes pressing, the extended portion 213 that was pressed elastically returns to its original position, and the "press" of the button switch 6 is released by its end portion 213A. Furthermore, by pressing the contact portion 334 forward with the extended portion 213 after its elastic recovery, the operating handle 3 returns to the position before it was pressed.

[0088] Furthermore, the cover 21 has one or more (a total of 16 here) locking holes 212 (see Figure 10). Each locking hole 212 extends through the cover 21 in the front-to-back direction. Each locking hole 212 is formed in the shape of a slit. Each locking hole 212 is elongated in the vertical direction.

[0089] When viewed from the front surface 21A, the 16 locking holes 212 are arranged in two rows of eight on each side. The eight locking holes 212 on the right are arranged in one row near the right end of the front surface 21A in the vertical direction. The eight locking holes 212 on the left are arranged in one row near the left end of the front surface 21A in the vertical direction.

[0090] Hereinafter, the eight locking holes 212 on the right and left sides will be referred to as locking holes 212A, 212B, 212C, 212D, 212E, 212F, 212G and 212H from top to bottom (see Figure 10).

[0091] Four locking pieces 3100 are respectively inserted into the body part 31 of the first operating handle 3A at the left and right locking holes 212A and 212B.

[0092] Four locking pieces 3100 are respectively inserted into the left and right locking holes 212C and 212D on the left and right sides of the main body 31 of the second operating handle 3B.

[0093] Four locking pieces 3100 are respectively inserted into the left and right locking holes 212E and 212F on the left and right sides of the main body 31 of the third operating handle 3C.

[0094] Four locking pieces 3100 are respectively inserted into the body part 31 of the fourth operating handle 3D at the left and right locking holes 212G and the left and right locking holes 212H.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 7, 10, and 13A, the cover 21 has one or more (a total of eight in this case) shell-side openings 20. Each shell-side opening 20 extends through the cover 21 in the front-to-back direction. Each shell-side opening 20 is formed in a slit shape. Each shell-side opening 20 is elongated in the vertical direction.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10, when viewed from the front surface 21A, the eight housing side openings 20 are arranged in two rows of four on each side. The four housing side openings 20 on the right side, when viewed from the front surface 21A, are arranged vertically between the eight right-side locking holes 212A-212H and the four pressing parts 210 arranged in the center. Similarly, the four housing side openings 20 on the left side, when viewed from the front surface 21A, are arranged vertically in one row between the eight left-side locking holes 212A-212H and the four pressing parts 210 arranged in the center.

[0097] Each of the four operating handles 3 is arranged to cover the corresponding left and right side openings 20 of the housing. That is, the operating handles 3 are arranged to cover the side openings 20 of the housing.

[0098] Hereinafter, the four shell side openings 20 on the right and left sides will be referred to as openings 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D from top to bottom (see Figure 10).

[0099] The first operating handle 3A covers the left and right openings 20A. In particular, when viewed from the front, the right opening 20A is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the right first opening 301 of the opening 30 of the first operating handle 3A. Also, when viewed from the front, the left opening 20A is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the left second opening 302 of the opening 30 of the first operating handle 3A.

[0100] The second operating handle 3B covers the left and right openings 20B. In particular, when viewed from the front, the right opening 20B is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the right first opening 301 of the opening 30 of the second operating handle 3B. Also, when viewed from the front, the left opening 20B is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the left second opening 302 of the opening 30 of the second operating handle 3B.

[0101] The third operating handle 3C covers the left and right openings 20C. In particular, when viewed from the front, the right opening 20C is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the right first opening 301 of the opening 30 of the third operating handle 3C. Also, when viewed from the front, the left opening 20C is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the left second opening 302 of the opening 30 of the third operating handle 3C.

[0102] The fourth operating handle 3D covers the left and right openings 20D. In particular, when viewed from the front, the right opening 20D is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the right first opening 301 of the opening 30 of the fourth operating handle 3D. Also, when viewed from the front, the left opening 20D is arranged to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost entirely) of the left second opening 302 of the opening 30 of the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the cover 21 has a pair of first protrusions 215 (a total of 4) with holes 215A at both its upper and lower ends. Each of the first protrusions 215 protrudes toward the outer shell 22. In Figure 12, only one pair of the four first protrusions 215 located at the lower end of the cover 21 is shown.

[0104] On the other hand, four claws 225 are also provided on the outer casing 22. The cover 21 is assembled onto the outer casing 22 by hooking the four claws 225 one to one onto the holes 215A of the four first protrusions 215.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 12, the cover 21 has a pair of second protrusions 216 at its right and left ends (a total of 4). Each second protrusion 216 protrudes toward the outer shell 22. In Figure 12, only one pair of second protrusions 216 at the right end of the cover 21 is shown. A pair of mounting claws 216A are provided on the surface of each second protrusion 216 (see Figure 12). A total of 8 mounting claws 216A are provided on the entire cover 21. The entire shell 2 is mounted to the mounting frame 5 by hooking the 8 mounting claws 216A onto the plurality of mounting holes 51 provided in the mounting frame 5 (see Figure 4).

[0106] As shown in Figure 12, the outer shell 22 is formed as a rectangular box with an open front surface. When viewed from the front, the outer shell 22 is approximately the same shape as the substrate 7 and is slightly larger in size than the substrate 7.

[0107] The outer casing 22 has a plurality of prism-shaped protrusions 221 on its periphery 22B (see Figure 12). The plurality of protrusions 221 contact the periphery of the substrate 7 and perform stable positioning relative to the substrate 7 in the up, down, left and right directions.

[0108] Furthermore, the outer casing 22 has two cylindrical insertion protrusions 222 protruding from its bottom surface 22A (see Figures 2 and 12). The two insertion protrusions 222 are respectively inserted into two positioning holes 71 provided on the substrate 7 for stable positioning relative to the substrate 7 in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0109] Furthermore, the outer casing 22 has a plurality of cylindrical hub portions 223 protruding from its bottom surface 22A (see Figure 3). The plurality of hub portions 223 contact the back side of the substrate 7 for stable positioning relative to the rear of the substrate 7.

[0110] Furthermore, the outer surface of the upper and lower ends of the outer casing 22 in its peripheral portion 22B, as described above, has four claw portions 225 that are respectively hooked onto the four holes 215A of the cover 21 (see Figure 12).

[0111] (2-2-3) Substrate and mounting components The substrate 7 is a printed circuit board. The substrate 7 has a first mounting surface 7A (front surface) and a second mounting surface 7B (back surface) opposite to the first mounting surface 7A. A plurality of electronic components (mounting parts) are mounted on the first mounting surface 7A and the second mounting surface 7B. The plurality of electronic components includes eight push-button switches 6, eight light-emitting groups G1, two setting communication units 16 (each having a communication light-emitting unit X1 and a communication light-receiving unit Y1), and a quick-connect terminal block 8. Furthermore, the plurality of electronic components includes electronic components constituting the signal processing unit 15, electronic components constituting the communication unit 17, electronic components constituting the memory unit 18, and electronic components constituting the power supply unit 19, etc.

[0112] As shown in Figure 2, eight push-button switches 6 are disposed on the substrate 7. When viewed from the front of the first mounting surface 7A (front surface), the eight push-button switches 6 are arranged in two rows of four in the vertical direction. The eight push-button switches 6 are switches with identical constructions. In this embodiment, each push-button switch 6 is a tactile switch that is activated by pressing and deactivated by releasing. The eight push-button switches 6 are mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface).

[0113] Hereinafter, the four push-button switches 6 in the right row are sometimes referred to as "the first push-button switch 61", and the four push-button switches 6 in the left row are referred to as "the second push-button switch 62".

[0114] Hereinafter, the first push-button switch 61 and the second push-button switch 62 in the first segment from the top are sometimes collectively referred to as "the first switch group 6A", and the first push-button switch 61 and the second push-button switch 62 in the second segment from the top are sometimes collectively referred to as "the second switch group 6B" (see Figure 2). Also, the first push-button switch 61 and the second push-button switch 62 in the third segment from the top are sometimes collectively referred to as "the third switch group 6C", and the first push-button switch 61 and the second push-button switch 62 in the fourth segment from the top are sometimes collectively referred to as "the fourth switch group 6D" (see Figure 2).

[0115] The first switch group 6A is configured corresponding to the first operating handle 3A. In the first operating handle 3A, when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the first push-button switch 61 of the first switch group 6A is turned on, and when the left end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the second push-button switch 62 of the first switch group 6A is turned on.

[0116] The second switch group 6B is configured corresponding to the second operating handle 3B. In the second operating handle 3B, when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the first push-button switch 61 of the second switch group 6B is turned on, and when the left end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the second push-button switch 62 of the second switch group 6B is turned on.

[0117] The third switch group 6C is configured corresponding to the third operating handle 3C. In the third operating handle 3C, when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the first push-button switch 61 of the third switch group 6C is turned on, and when the left end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the second push-button switch 62 of the third switch group 6C is turned on.

[0118] The fourth switch group 6D is configured corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D. In the fourth operating handle 3D, when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the first push button switch 61 of the fourth switch group 6D is turned on, and when the left end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed, the second push button switch 62 of the fourth switch group 6D is turned on.

[0119] Whenever the operating handle 3 is pressed and the corresponding button switch 6 is turned on, communication occurs between the communication unit 17 of the operator 1 and the communication device 111, and the load address corresponding to the button switch 6 after the press operation is sent to the communication device 111. In addition, the communication unit 17 receives status signals related to the state of the load L1.

[0120] As shown in Figure 2, eight light-emitting groups G1 are disposed on the substrate 7. Each light-emitting group G1 has a first light-emitting part 11 and a second light-emitting part 12. That is, the operator 1 has a first light-emitting part 11 and a second light-emitting part 12. Each of the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 emits visible light. In other words, each light-emitting group G1 constitutes a display light-emitting part 10 that emits visible light.

[0121] The first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 of each light-emitting group G1 are arranged adjacent to each other in the order of second light-emitting part 12 and first light-emitting part 11 from top to bottom.

[0122] Hereinafter, the light-emitting group G1 on the left and right of the first segment from the top is sometimes referred to as "first display light-emitting unit 10A", and the light-emitting group G1 on the left and right of the second segment from the top is sometimes referred to as "second display light-emitting unit 10B" (see Figure 2). Also, the light-emitting group G1 on the left and right of the third segment from the top is sometimes referred to as "third display light-emitting unit 10C", and the light-emitting group G1 on the left and right of the fourth segment from the top is sometimes referred to as "fourth display light-emitting unit 10D" (see Figure 2).

[0123] The first light-emitting part 11 may have one or more light-emitting elements and a lens portion covering the light-emitting elements. The light-emitting element is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element. The first light-emitting part 11 is, for example, a packaged LED module, mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface).

[0124] When the status signal received by the communication unit 17 indicates that the state of load L1 is in state 1, the first light-emitting unit 11 emits a specific color other than white. Here, as an example, the specific color is a warm color, such as red. For example, the first light-emitting unit 11 may have one or more red LED elements. However, the specific color is not limited to red as long as it is other than white. The specific color can be a warm color, such as green. Furthermore, the specific color is not limited to warm colors. The specific color can be a cool color. In other words, the specific color can be either warm or cool.

[0125] The second light-emitting part 12 may have one or more light-emitting elements and a lens portion covering the light-emitting elements. The light-emitting element is, for example, an LED element. The second light-emitting part 12 is, for example, a packaged LED module, mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface).

[0126] When the state of load L1 in the status signal received by the communication unit 17 is a second state, which is different from the first state, the second light-emitting unit 12 emits white light. The second light-emitting unit 12 may have red, green, and blue LED elements, and white light can be emitted from the lens unit by combining the light-emitting colors of these LED elements. Alternatively, the second light-emitting unit 12 may also use a phosphor to generate white light. For example, the second light-emitting unit 12 may include a blue LED element and a yellow phosphor, and white light can be emitted from the lens unit by combining blue light and yellow light generated by the excitation of that blue light by the phosphor.

[0127] In this embodiment, the display light-emitting unit 10 has a plurality of light-emitting units (first light-emitting unit 11, second light-emitting unit 12) with different light-emitting colors. Therefore, various displays can be performed on the plurality of light-emitting units with different light-emitting colors. Alternatively, the display light-emitting unit 10 may have two light-emitting units, but it may also have three or more light-emitting units with different light-emitting colors.

[0128] The left and right first display light-emitting units 10A are arranged corresponding to the first operating handle 3A. The first push-button switch 61 and the second push-button switch 62, pressed by the first operating handle 3A, are located between the left and right first display light-emitting units 10A. The right first display light-emitting unit 10A faces the right-side opening 20A, and also faces the first opening 301 of the first operating handle 3A. Visible light from the right first display light-emitting unit 10A is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the right side of the first operating handle 3A. The left first display light-emitting unit 10A faces the left-side opening 20A, and also faces the second opening 302 of the first operating handle 3A. Visible light from the left first display light-emitting unit 10A is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the left side of the first operating handle 3A.

[0129] The left and right second display light-emitting units 10B are arranged corresponding to the second operating handle 3B. The first push-button switch 61 and the second push-button switch 62, pressed by the second operating handle 3B, are located between the left and right second display light-emitting units 10B. The right second display light-emitting unit 10B faces the right-side opening 20B, and also faces the first opening 301 of the second operating handle 3B. Visible light from the right second display light-emitting unit 10B is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the right side of the second operating handle 3B. The left second display light-emitting unit 10B faces the left-side opening 20B, and also faces the second opening 302 of the second operating handle 3B. Visible light from the left second display light-emitting unit 10B is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the left side of the second operating handle 3B.

[0130] The left and right third display light-emitting units 10C are arranged corresponding to the third operating handle 3C. The first push-button switch 61 and the second push-button switch 62, pressed by the third operating handle 3C, are located between the left and right third display light-emitting units 10C. The right third display light-emitting unit 10C faces the right-side opening 20C, and also faces the first opening 301 of the third operating handle 3C. Visible light from the right third display light-emitting unit 10C is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the right side of the third operating handle 3C. The left third display light-emitting unit 10C faces the left-side opening 20C, and also faces the second opening 302 of the third operating handle 3C. Visible light from the left third display light-emitting unit 10C is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the left side of the third operating handle 3C.

[0131] The left and right fourth display light-emitting units 10D are arranged corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D. The first button switch 61 and the second button switch 62, pressed by the fourth operating handle 3D, are located between the left and right fourth display light-emitting units 10D. The right fourth display light-emitting unit 10D faces the right-side opening 20D, and also faces the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3D. Visible light from the right fourth display light-emitting unit 10D is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the right side of the fourth operating handle 3D. The left fourth display light-emitting unit 10D faces the left-side opening 20D, and also faces the second opening 302 of the fourth operating handle 3D. Visible light from the left fourth display light-emitting unit 10D is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 on the left side of the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0132] Two communication light-emitting units X1 (see Figure 5) emit communication light. The communication light is, for example, infrared light. The communication light-emitting units X1 can emit infrared radiation. However, the communication light can also be visible light. Each communication light-emitting unit X1 has an infrared light-emitting diode as an infrared emitter. Each communication light-emitting unit X1 is, for example, a packaged module mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface). Here, the two communication light-emitting units X1 are modules with identical structures.

[0133] In this embodiment, two communication light-emitting units X1 are arranged on the lower part of the first mounting surface 7A, spaced apart from each other, in a manner corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0134] Specifically, the communication light-emitting unit X1 on the right is arranged adjacent to the first light-emitting unit 11 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the right, facing the opening 20D on the right, and also facing the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3D. The infrared light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1 on the right is guided to the outside from the optical component 41 on the right side of the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0135] The communication light-emitting unit X1 on the left is disposed adjacent to the first light-emitting unit 11 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the left, facing the opening 20D on the left, and also facing the second opening 302 of the fourth operating handle 3D. The infrared light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1 on the left is guided to the outside from the optical component 41 on the left side of the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0136] As a result, the setting unit 500 (see Figure 16) can receive infrared signals transmitted from the setting communication unit 16 via infrared light-emitting diodes of each communication light-emitting unit X1.

[0137] Two communication light-receiving units Y1 (see Figure 5) receive communication light. The communication light is, for example, infrared light. The communication light-receiving units Y1 can receive infrared light. However, the communication light can also be visible light. Each communication light-receiving unit Y1 has an infrared light-receiving element and an optical lens covering the infrared light-receiving element. Each communication light-receiving unit Y1 is, for example, a packaged module mounted on the first mounting surface 7A (front surface). Here, the two communication light-receiving units Y1 are modules with identical structures. The infrared light-receiving element receives the infrared light focused by the optical lens and converts it into an electrical signal. The setting communication unit 16 can receive infrared signals sent from the setting device 500 via the infrared light-receiving element.

[0138] In this embodiment, two communication light-receiving units Y1 are arranged side-by-side on the lower part of the first mounting surface 7A, corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0139] Specifically, the communication light-receiving unit Y1 on the right is disposed adjacent to the second light-emitting unit 12 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the right, facing the opening 20D on the right, and also facing the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3D. Infrared light (infrared signal) sent from the setting device 500 toward the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3D is received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1 on the right through the optical component 41 on the right side of the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0140] The communication light-receiving unit Y1 on the left is disposed adjacent to the second light-emitting unit 12 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the left, facing the opening 20D on the left, and also facing the second opening 302 of the fourth operating handle 3D. Infrared light (infrared signal) sent from the setting device 500 toward the second opening 302 of the fourth operating handle 3D passes through the optical component 41 on the left side of the fourth operating handle 3D and is received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1 on the left.

[0141] In summary, the communication light-receiving unit Y1 on the right, the second light-emitting unit 12 and the first light-emitting unit 11 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the right, and the communication light-emitting unit X1 on the right are arranged in a row from top to bottom, and all of them face the opening 20D on the right. In other words, the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the right is positioned between the communication light-receiving unit Y1 and the communication light-emitting unit X1 on the right.

[0142] Similarly, the communication light-receiving unit Y1 on the left, the second light-emitting unit 12 and the first light-emitting unit 11 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the left, and the communication light-emitting unit X1 on the left are arranged in a row from top to bottom, and all of them face the opening 20D on the left. In other words, the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D on the left is disposed between the communication light-receiving unit Y1 on the left and the communication light-emitting unit X1 on the left.

[0143] Thus, in this embodiment, the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1, the light received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1, and the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit 10 can all pass through the housing side opening 20. Therefore, the operating handle 3 can also be arranged in the housing 2 within the space where the communication light-emitting unit X1, the communication light-receiving unit Y1, and the display light-emitting unit 10 are arranged, which has the advantage of increasing the freedom of arrangement of the operating handle 3. Furthermore, compared to the case where openings are provided on the surface of the operator 1 other than the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 to allow the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1, the light received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1, and the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit 10 to pass through, the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 can also be enlarged. Furthermore, the display light-emitting unit 10 is located between the communication light-receiving unit Y1 and the communication light-emitting unit X1. Therefore, it has the advantage that the display light-emitting unit 10 can be arranged in the center of the handle side opening 30X.

[0144] The operator 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of operating handles 3. The plurality of operating handles 3 are arranged in a manner that runs along the length of the operator 1. On the substrate 7, a display light-emitting part 10 and a push-button switch 6 are provided at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of operating handles 3, and a communication light-emitting part X1 and a communication light-receiving part Y1 are provided at positions corresponding to at least one of the plurality of operating handles 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of push-button switches 6 can be operated by one operator 1.

[0145] (2-2-4) Installation frame The mounting frame 5 is a component for mounting the housing 2. As shown in Figure 4, the mounting frame 5 is formed as a rectangular frame with an opening 50 in its center to receive the housing 2. The mounting frame 5 is, for example, made of metal. As described above, the mounting frame 5 has the same dimensions as the mounting frames for the three switches. As described above, the mounting frame 5 has a plurality of mounting holes 51 for hooking onto the eight mounting claws 216A of the housing 2 (see Figure 4). Alternatively, the mounting frame 5 may not be a component of the operator 1.

[0146] The mounting frame 5 can be screwed onto a mounting component such as a switch box. That is, for example, a mounting hole is formed in the mounting object such as a wall, and the embedded mounting component such as the switch box is positioned on the back side (back of the wall) of the mounting object. The operator 1 is mounted onto the mounting object through the mounting hole by screwing the mounting frame 5 onto the mounting component. Furthermore, a decorative panel K1 can be mounted around the front surface of the operator 1 in a way that conceals the mounting hole, etc. (see Figure 16).

[0147] (2-2-5) Quick-connect terminal block The quick-connect terminal block 8 is mounted on the second mounting surface 7B (back side) of the substrate 7. The quick-connect terminal block 8 internally houses one or more (in this case, four) quick-connect terminals. In this embodiment, the quick-connect terminal block 8 has four quick-connect terminals, corresponding to a pair of first connection terminals 81 and a pair of second connection terminals 82. Furthermore, the quick-connect terminal block 8 has four wire insertion holes 80 (see Figure 6) for guiding four transmission lines 112 from the switch box side wiring to the four quick-connect terminals respectively.

[0148] The housing 22 has a window on the back side 22C (see Figure 6) for exposing the quick-connect terminal block 8 to the outside of the housing 2. The quick-connect terminal block 8 is inserted into the window of the housing 22 in a manner similar to that of being mounted on the substrate 7, and is exposed to the outside by protruding rearward from the back side 22C.

[0149] (2-3) Setting device The setting device 500 has, for example, a microcomputer with a processor and memory. The microcomputer functions as the setting device 500 by executing a program stored in the memory via the processor. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the microcomputer's memory, but it can also be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or provided via an electrical communication line such as the Internet.

[0150] As shown in Figure 16, the setting device 500 (dedicated remote control) has a long, narrow cylindrical housing. The setting device 500 is, for example, battery-powered. An operation section 501 for receiving operations related to setting the load address is provided on one side of the housing of the setting device 500. The operation section 501 has a plurality of operation buttons. The operation section 501 is located at a first end along the length of the housing. Furthermore, a communication module 502 for infrared communication with the operator 1 is housed at a second end along the length of the housing of the setting device 500. The communication module 502 includes an infrared emitting element for transmitting infrared light and an infrared receiving element for receiving infrared light.

[0151] (2-4) Operation of the actuator The following describes the actions of the operator 1 as the load address setting action, the first action, and the second action.

[0152] [Load address setting action] Users can use the setting device 500 to set the load address of the multiple push-button switches 6 on the operator 1.

[0153] In this embodiment, the operator 1 has 8 push-button switches 6, and individual load addresses can be set for the 4 push-button switches 6 on the right and the 4 push-button switches 6 on the left.

[0154] When setting the load address of the right-side push-button switch 6, the user uses the setting device 500 to set the load address with the second end of the housing containing the communication module 502 facing the right-side optical component 41. After the user inputs the load address by operating the operation unit 501, when the user operates the load address send button, the communication module 502 sends the load address as an infrared signal to the operator 1. The infrared signal sent from the communication module 502 is received by the right-side communication light-receiving unit Y1 through the right-side optical component 41. When the right-side communication light-receiving unit Y1 receives the infrared signal from the setting device 500, the signal processing unit 15 of the operator 1 sets the load address of the right-side push-button switch 6 based on the received infrared signal and saves it in the memory unit 18.

[0155] When setting the load address of the left-side push-button switch 6, the user uses the setting device 500 to set the load address with the second end of the housing containing the communication module 502 facing the left-side optical component 41. After the user inputs the load address by operating the operation unit 501, when the user operates the load address send button, the communication module 502 sends the load address as an infrared signal to the operator 1. The infrared signal sent from the communication module 502 is received by the left-side communication light-receiving unit Y1 through the left-side optical component 41. When the left-side communication light-receiving unit Y1 receives the infrared signal from the setting device 500, the signal processing unit 15 of the operator 1 sets the load address of the left-side push-button switch 6 based on the received infrared signal and saves it in the memory unit 18.

[0156] [First Action (Right-side Operation of the Control Unit)] First, the first action is described when the user presses (operates) the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of any one of the four operating handles 3 (e.g., the fourth operating handle 3D).

[0157] When the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of the fourth operating handle 3D is pressed, the first button switch 61 corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D is activated. As a result, the operator 1 sends an operation signal to the communication device 111 based on the activation (once) of the first button switch 61 corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D. By the user pressing the operating surface 31A (surface 40), tilting the operating surface 31A (surface 40), pressing the first button switch 61 by the pressing plate 211, releasing the press, and restoring the operating surface 31A (surface 40), a series of actions are performed, and an operation signal is sent once, as "one-time activation operation of the button switch 6".

[0158] When the communication device 111 receives an operation signal, if the load L1 corresponding to the first key switch 61 is in the second state (here, the off state), it controls the switching of the load L1 from the second state to the first state (here, the on state) based on the received operation signal. Furthermore, when the communication device 111 receives an operation signal, if the load L1 corresponding to the first key switch 61 is in the first state, it controls the switching of the load L1 from the first state to the second state based on the received operation signal. When the communication device 111 receives status information related to the (switched) state of the load L1 from the control terminal 9 corresponding to the first key switch 61, it replies this status information to the operator 1, the source of the operation signal.

[0159] The operator 1, the source of the operation signal, receives a status signal related to the state of the load L1 from the communication device 111.

[0160] When the state of load L1 in the received state signal is in state 1 (on state), the operator 1, the source of the operation signal, causes the first light-emitting part 11 on the right side (corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D) to emit light (here, red light). As a result, red light is emitted from the optical member 41 on the right side through the opening 20D on the right side (the opening 20 on the housing side) and the first opening 301 on the right side (the opening 30X on the handle side). That is, the area near the right end of the fourth operating handle 3D emits red light. In this embodiment, the second light-emitting part 12 on the right side does not emit light at this time. That is, the area near the right end of the fourth operating handle 3D emits red light but does not emit white light. However, the second light-emitting part 12 may also emit a slight light that is not visible to the naked eye. In short, the second light-emitting part 12 does not emit light when the state of load L1 is in state 1 (or may emit light with a weaker light output than in state 2).

[0161] On the other hand, when the state of load L1 in the received state signal is in the second state (off state), the operator 1, the source of the operation signal, causes the second light-emitting part 12 on the right side (corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D) to emit light (white light). As a result, white light is emitted from the optical member 41 on the right side through the opening 20D on the right side (the opening 20 on the housing side) and the first opening 301 on the right side (the opening 30X on the handle side). That is, the area near the right end of the fourth operating handle 3D emits white light. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting part 11 on the right side does not emit light at this time. That is, the area near the right end of the fourth operating handle 3D emits white light but does not emit red light. However, the first light-emitting part 11 may also emit a slight light that is not visible to the naked eye. In short, the first light-emitting part 11 does not emit light when the state of load L1 is in the second state (or may emit light with a weaker light output than in the first state).

[0162] Thus, each housing side opening 20 can emit light of a specific color emitted from the (corresponding) first light-emitting part 11 and white light emitted from the (corresponding) second light-emitting part 12. Therefore, for example, compared to the case where light from the first light-emitting part 11 and light from the second light-emitting part 12 are emitted from separate openings, it is easier to miniaturize the operator 1.

[0163] [Second Action (Operation on the Left Side of the Control Unit)] Next, the second action will be described when the user presses (operates) the left end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of any one of the four operating handles 3 (e.g., the fourth operating handle 3D).

[0164] When the left end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of the fourth operating handle 3D is pressed, the second button switch 62 corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D is activated. As a result, the operator 1 sends an operation signal to the communication device 111 based on the activation (once) of the second button switch 62 corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D.

[0165] When the communication device 111 receives an operation signal, if the load L1 corresponding to the second key switch 62 is in the second state (here, the off state), it controls the switching of the load L1 from the second state to the first state (here, the on state) based on the received operation signal. Furthermore, when the communication device 111 receives an operation signal, if the load L1 corresponding to the second key switch 62 is in the first state, it controls the switching of the load L1 from the first state to the second state based on the received operation signal. When the communication device 111 receives status information related to the (switched) state of the load L1 from the control terminal 9 corresponding to the second key switch 62, it replies this status information to the operator 1, the source of the operation signal.

[0166] The operator 1, the source of the operation signal, receives a status signal related to the state of the load L1 from the communication device 111.

[0167] When the state of load L1 in the received status signal is in the first state (on state), the operator 1 causes the first light-emitting part 11 on the left side (corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D) to emit light (here, red light). As a result, red light is emitted from the optical member 41 on the left side through the left opening 20D (housing-side opening 20) and the left second opening 302 (handle-side opening 30X). That is, the area near the left end of the fourth operating handle 3D emits red light. In this embodiment, the left second light-emitting part 12 does not emit light (or may emit light slightly).

[0168] On the other hand, when the state of load L1 in the received status signal is in the second state (off state), the operator 1 causes the second light-emitting part 12 on the left side (corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3D) to emit light (white light). As a result, white light is emitted from the optical member 41 on the left side through the opening 20D on the left side (the housing-side opening 20) and the second opening 302 on the left side (the handle-side opening 30X). That is, the area near the left end of the fourth operating handle 3D emits white light. In this embodiment, the first light-emitting part 11 on the left side does not emit light at this time (or may emit light slightly).

[0169] Thus, in the operator 1, depending on whether one end of the operating handle 3 is pressed or the other end is pressed, either of the two different push-button switches 6 can be turned on, and the state of the load L1 corresponding to the turned-on push-button switch 6 can be individually switched.

[0170] (2-5) Another example of a side opening in the casing However, in the examples shown in Figures 10 and 13A, the housing-side opening 20 is configured as a single opening. But, for example, as shown in Figure 13C, the housing-side opening 20 may also have a first opening 201 and a second opening 202. The first opening 201 emits light of a specific color emitted from the first light-emitting part 11. The second opening 202 emits white light emitted from the second light-emitting part 12. In the example of Figure 13C, because specific colors of light and white light are emitted from their respective independent openings (201, 202), the state of the load L1 can be easily determined visually.

[0171] (3) Variation Example The above-described embodiments are merely one of the various embodiments disclosed herein. As long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved, the above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc. Examples of variations of the above-described embodiments are listed below. The above-described embodiments, the variations described below, and the variations themselves can be appropriately combined and applied.

[0172] (3-1) Variation Example 1 Hereinafter, using Figures 17 to 25B, a variation of the operator 1 in the above embodiment, namely operator 1A, will be described. Furthermore, in the following description of operator 1A in this variation (variation 1), sometimes the same reference numerals are used to mark components similar to those of operator 1, and their descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0173] Operator 1 has four operating handles 3, which are equivalent to a seesaw-type operating handle. In contrast, operator 1A has four operating handles 3, which are equivalent to a cantilever-type operating handle. This is different from operator 1. Furthermore, the number of push-button switches 6 and the like in operator 1A is also different from that in operator 1. Hereinafter, when describing the four operating handles 3 of operator 1A in a differentiated manner, they will sometimes be referred to as the first operating handle 3E, the second operating handle 3F, the third operating handle 3G, and the fourth operating handle 3H in sequence from top to bottom (see Figure 17).

[0174] The following is a detailed description of the configuration of the operator 1A (operation terminal). The following description uses the arrows in Figures 17 and 19, which do not accompany the physical objects, to define the direction of the operator 1A, but this is not intended to limit the direction of use of the operator 1A.

[0175] The operator 1A includes a housing 2, one or more (four in Figure 17) operating handles 3, one or more (four in Figure 18) push-button switches 6, a base plate 7, a mounting frame 5, and a quick-connect terminal block 8 (see Figure 19). Furthermore, like the operator 1, the operator 1A includes a signal processing unit 15, a display light-emitting unit 10 (display unit), a setting communication unit 16, a communication unit 17 for communicating with the communication device 111, a memory unit 18, and a power supply unit 19 (see Figure 15). The operator 1A also includes a pair of first connection terminals 81 and a pair of second connection terminals 82 (see Figure 15).

[0176] The display light-emitting part 10 of the operator 1A includes one or more (four in FIG18) light-emitting groups G1. As shown in FIG18, each light-emitting group G1 includes a first light-emitting part 11 and a second light-emitting part 12.

[0177] The setting communication unit 16 of the operator 1A has one or more (one in FIG. 18) communication light-emitting units X1 and one or more (one in FIG. 18) communication light-receiving units Y1. The setting communication unit 16 communicates with the address setting device 500 (see FIG. 16).

[0178] Each operating handle 3 is equivalent to a cantilever type operating handle. When one of its left and right ends (here, the left end) is supported by the housing 2 and the other end (here, the right end) is pressed, the other end moves backward with the first end as a fulcrum. Furthermore, each operating handle 3 presses one push-button switch 6 (i.e., a total of four for the entire operator 1A). One push-button switch 6 corresponding to each operating handle 3 is located on the right side of the first mounting surface 7A of the base plate 7.

[0179] Each operating handle 3 is used to switch the state of load L1. In this variation, each operating handle 3 can switch the state of the corresponding load L1 by activating the push-button switch 6 located on the right side of the first mounting surface 7A. The four operating handles 3 are arranged vertically when viewed from the front. As shown in Figures 19 to 22, each operating handle 3 in this variation includes a body 31, a nameplate 32, a cover 33, and a light-transmitting cover 4.

[0180] When viewed from the front, the main body 31 has an elongated opening 30 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG25B, when viewed from the front, the opening 30 includes a first opening 301 on the right and a third opening 303 located in the center. That is, unlike the operator 1, the main body 31 of this variation does not have a second opening 302 on the left. The first opening 301 and the third opening 303 are spatially connected. In addition, as shown in FIG25B, the "handle-side opening 30X" in this variation corresponds to the first opening 301 on the right. In other words, the operating handle 3 of this variation has a handle-side opening 30X. In this variation, the handle-side opening 30X is also formed into a slit shape, through which light emitted from the housing-side opening 20 of the housing 2 (light from the first light-emitting part 11, the second light-emitting part 12, etc.) is emitted. In this variation, the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 are arranged in a manner that runs along the length direction (here, the vertical direction) of the handle-side opening 30X (see Figure 25B).

[0181] In this variation, the user presses the operating handle 3 by applying pressure to the area near the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of the operating handle 3 with their fingertips.

[0182] The main body 31 has a locking part 311 corresponding to the mounting part 3X at the right end of its back surface 31B (see Figures 20, 21, and 22). In this variation, the length of each locking piece 3100 of the locking part 311 is set to be shorter than that of each locking piece 3100 of the first locking part 311 of the operator 1.

[0183] In this variation, the second locking part 312 located on the left end of the back surface 31B of the operator 1 is not provided. Instead, in this variation, the main body 31 has a retaining part 314A at the left end of the back surface 31B, which corresponds to the mounting part 3X (see Figures 20, 21, and 22).

[0184] The retaining part 314A respectively holds one of the pairs of rotating shafts 230A provided in the support part 23A of the cover 21 of the housing 2 (see Figures 20 and 23). The retaining part 314A has a recessed notch that is recessed forward, and the pair of rotating shafts 230A are pressed into the notch. As a result, the main body 31 (i.e., the operating handle 3) is supported by the support part 23A, and the right end of the operating handle 3 can rotate within a specified angle range with the pair of rotating shafts 230A as fulcrums (see the arrows in Figure 24).

[0185] In summary, in this variation, the operating handle 3 has a mounting portion 3X for mounting on the housing 2, the mounting portion 3X including the aforementioned locking portion 311 and retaining portion 314A.

[0186] In this variation, the light-transmitting cover 4 is entirely formed in an L-shape. Specifically, as shown in Figures 20-22, the light-transmitting cover 4 includes an optical member 41 covering the right side of the first opening 301 (see Figure 25B) and a cover member 42 covering the central third opening 303. That is, the left-side optical member 41 provided in the operator 1 is not provided in this variation. The right-side optical member 41 and the cover member 42 are formed as a single continuous component, but they can also be independent components.

[0187] The fourth operating handle 3H among the four operating handles 3, in addition to the visible light from the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12, can also allow light (infrared light) from the communication light-emitting part X1 (see Figure 18) and light (infrared light) toward the communication light-receiving part Y1 (see Figure 18) to pass through the optical component 41 on the right.

[0188] When the operating handle 3 configured as described above is installed on the housing 2, for example, each locking piece 3100 of the locking part 311 is inserted from the front into the corresponding locking hole 212 (see Figure 23), and the operating handle 3 is pressed backward by inserting the rotating shaft 230A into the recess of the retaining part 314A. As a result, the main body 31 is supported by the supporting part 23A, and each locking piece 3100 is stably positioned in the locking hole 212.

[0189] Even when the main body 31 is pulled forward, the end of the locking piece 3100 of the locking part 311 hooks onto the periphery of the locking hole 212. Therefore, the main body 31 can be prevented from detaching from the support part 23A. As a result, the operation handle 3 can be prevented from falling off the housing 2.

[0190] As shown in Figures 23 and 25A, the cover 21 of this variation has one or more (four in this case) support portions 23A arranged vertically near the left end when viewed from the front. As described above, each support portion 23A has a pair of rotating shafts 230A that are embedded in the recess of the corresponding operating handle 3.

[0191] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, the cover 21 of this variation has one or more (four in this case) pressing parts 210 arranged vertically when viewed from the front. The four pressing parts 210 are arranged to correspond to four support parts 23A respectively. Each pressing part 210 transmits the pressing operation of the operating handle 3 supported by its corresponding support part 23A to the right-side button switch 6 (first button switch 61). As shown in Figure 19, each pressing part 210 has an extension 213 extending to the right and a pressing piece 211 provided on the back side of the end part 213A. The end part 213A of each extension 213 can move back and forth with its root as a fulcrum. As shown in Figure 19, each extension 213 extends obliquely such that it protrudes forward more towards the end part 213A from its root. Therefore, when the user presses the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of the operating handle 3 with their fingertips, appropriate stress is applied from the extension 213 side. As a result, the tactile feedback is improved.

[0192] For example, when the right side of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) of a certain operating handle 3 is pressed, a pair of contact portions 334 on the right side of the back of the cover portion 33 of the operating handle 3 transmit the pressure to the surface of the end portion 213A of the extension portion 213. As a result, the extension portion 213 flexes backward by elastic deformation, and its end portion 213A shifts backward, pressing the right-side button switch 6 with the end of the pressing plate 211. When the user's pressing operation ends, the pressed extension portion 213 elastically recovers, and the "press" of its end portion 213A on the button switch 6 is released. Furthermore, by the elastically recovered extension portion 213 pressing the contact portion 334 forward, the operating handle 3 returns to the position before being pressed.

[0193] Furthermore, the cover 21 in this variation has one or more (a total of 8 in this case) locking holes 212 (see Figure 23). The 8 locking holes 212 (212A~212H) are arranged in a row in the vertical direction near the right end of the front surface 21A.

[0194] Two locking tabs 3100 are inserted into the locking holes 212A and 212B, respectively, into the body portion 31 of the first operating handle 3E. Two locking tabs 3100 are inserted into the locking holes 212C and 212D, respectively, into the body portion 31 of the second operating handle 3F. Two locking tabs 3100 are inserted into the locking holes 212E and 212F, respectively, into the body portion 31 of the third operating handle 3G. Two locking tabs 3100 are inserted into the locking holes 212G and 212H, respectively, into the body portion 31 of the fourth operating handle 3H.

[0195] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, the cover 21 of this variation has one or more (four in total here) housing-side openings 20. Each housing-side opening 20 extends through the cover 21 in the front-to-back direction. Each housing-side opening 20 is formed in a slit shape. Each housing-side opening 20 is elongated in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 23, when viewing the front surface 21A from the front, the four housing-side openings 20 (20A~20D) are arranged vertically between the eight right-hand locking holes 212A~212H and the four pressing parts 210 arranged in the center. Each of the four operating handles 3 is arranged to cover the corresponding right-hand housing-side opening 20. That is, the operating handles 3 are arranged to cover the housing-side openings 20.

[0196] The first operating handle 3E covers the opening 20A. In particular, when viewed from the front, the opening 20A is configured to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost the entirety) of the first opening 301 on the right side of the first operating handle 3A.

[0197] The second operating handle 3F covers the opening 20B. In particular, when viewed from the front, the opening 20B is configured to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost the entirety) of the first opening 301 on the right side of the second operating handle 3B.

[0198] The third operating handle 3G covers the opening 20C. In particular, when viewed from the front, the opening 20C is configured to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost the entirety) of the first opening 301 on the right side of the third operating handle 3G.

[0199] The fourth operating handle 3H covers the opening 20D. In particular, when viewed from the front, the opening 20D is configured to overlap with at least a portion (in this case, almost the entirety) of the first opening 301 on the right side of the fourth operating handle 3H.

[0200] As shown in Figure 18, in this variation, four push-button switches 6 are disposed on the substrate 7. When viewed from the front of the first mounting surface 7A (front surface), the four push-button switches 6 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction near the right end.

[0201] The first push-button switch 6 from the top is configured corresponding to the first operating handle 3E. In the first operating handle 3E, the push-button switch 6 is turned on when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed.

[0202] The second push-button switch 6 from the top is configured corresponding to the second operating handle 3F. In the second operating handle 3F, the push-button switch 6 is turned on when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed.

[0203] The third push-button switch 6 from the top is configured corresponding to the third operating handle 3G. In the third operating handle 3G, the push-button switch 6 is turned on when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed.

[0204] The fourth push-button switch 6 from the top is configured corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3H. In the fourth operating handle 3H, the push-button switch 6 is turned on when the right end of the operating surface 31A (surface 40) is pressed.

[0205] Whenever the operating handle 3 is pressed and the corresponding button switch 6 is turned on, communication occurs between the communication unit 17 of the operator 1 and the communication device 111, and the load address corresponding to the pressed button switch 6 is sent to the communication device 111. In addition, the communication unit 17 receives status signals related to the state of the load L1.

[0206] As shown in Figure 18, in this variation, four light-emitting groups G1 of the display light-emitting unit 10 are disposed on the substrate 7. Here, the four light-emitting groups G1 are arranged such that each corresponds to one of the four operating handles 3. That is, one light-emitting group G1 corresponds to one operating handle 3. The first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 of each light-emitting group G1 are arranged in the length direction (here, the vertical direction) of the (corresponding) housing side opening 20 (see Figures 25A and 25B).

[0207] In this variation, when the state of load L1 in the status signal received by the communication unit 17 is in state 1, the first light-emitting unit 11 emits red (a specific color). However, the specific color is not limited to red as long as it is not white. The specific color is a warm color and can be green. Furthermore, the specific color is not limited to a warm color. The specific color can be a cool color. In other words, the specific color can be a warm color or a cool color.

[0208] In this variation, when the state of load L1 in the status signal received by the communication unit 17 is in the second state, the second light-emitting unit 12 emits white light.

[0209] The first display light-emitting unit 10A (see Figure 18) is configured corresponding to the first operating handle 3E. The first display light-emitting unit 10A faces the opening 20A, and also faces the first opening 301 of the first operating handle 3E. Visible light from the first display light-emitting unit 10A is directed to the outside through the optical component 41 of the first operating handle 3E.

[0210] The second display light-emitting part 10B (see Figure 18) is arranged corresponding to the second operating handle 3F. The second display light-emitting part 10B faces the opening 20B, and also faces the first opening 301 of the second operating handle 3F. Visible light from the second display light-emitting part 10B is guided to the outside through the optical component 41 of the second operating handle 3F.

[0211] The third display light-emitting unit 10C (see Figure 18) is configured corresponding to the third operating handle 3G. The third display light-emitting unit 10C faces the opening 20C, and also faces the first opening 301 of the third operating handle 3G. Visible light from the third display light-emitting unit 10C is guided to the outside through the optical component 41 of the third operating handle 3G.

[0212] The fourth display light-emitting unit 10D (see Figure 18) is configured corresponding to the fourth operating handle 3H. The fourth display light-emitting unit 10D faces the opening 20D, and also faces the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3H. Visible light from the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D is guided to the outside through the optical component 41 of the fourth operating handle 3H.

[0213] In this variation, one communication light-emitting unit X1 (see Figures 25A and 25B) is arranged adjacent to the first light-emitting unit 11 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D, facing the opening 20D, and further facing the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3H. The infrared light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit X1 is guided to the outside by the optical member 41 of the fourth operating handle 3H. As a result, the infrared signal from the communication light-emitting unit X1 can be received by the setting device 500.

[0214] In this variation, a communication light-receiving unit Y1 (see Figures 25A and 25B) is arranged adjacent to the second light-emitting unit 12 of the fourth display light-emitting unit 10D, facing the opening 20D, and further facing the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3H. Infrared light (infrared signal) emitted from the setting device 500 toward the first opening 301 of the fourth operating handle 3H can be received by the communication light-receiving unit Y1 through the optical component 41 of the fourth operating handle 3H.

[0215] Since the operation of the operator 1A in this variation is the same as that of the operator 1 described above when pressing (operating) the right side of the operating handle 3, its description is omitted.

[0216] (3-2) Other variations The operator 1, control terminal 9, communication device 111, and setting device 500 disclosed herein include a computer system. The computer system primarily consists of a processor and memory as hardware components. The processor executes programs stored in the computer system's memory to perform the functions of the operator 1, control terminal 9, communication device 111, and setting device 500 disclosed herein. The programs can be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via electrical communication lines, or recorded on non-temporary recording media such as memory cards, optical discs, and hard drives that can be read by the computer system. The computer system's processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The terminology used for integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs mentioned here varies depending on the degree of integration, including system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), and ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), which are programmable after LSI fabrication, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring the internal bonding relationships or circuit partitioning of LSIs, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits can be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips can be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer systems mentioned here include microcontrollers with one or more processors and one or more memory units. Therefore, microcontrollers also consist of one or more electronic circuits comprising semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0217] Furthermore, it is not necessary for the multiple functions of the operator 1, control terminal 9, communication device 111, and setting device 500 to be integrated into a single enclosure. The components of the operator 1, control terminal 9, communication device 111, and setting device 500 can also be distributed across multiple enclosures. Conversely, the multiple functions of the operator 1, control terminal 9, communication device 111, and setting device 500 can also be integrated into a single enclosure. Moreover, at least some of the functions of the operator 1, control terminal 9, communication device 111, and setting device 500 can be implemented via the cloud (cloud computing), etc.

[0218] In the above embodiment, the display light-emitting part 10 is disposed between the communication light-emitting part X1 and the communication light-receiving part Y1. However, the arrangement of the communication light-emitting part X1, the communication light-receiving part Y1, and the display light-emitting part 10 can be appropriately changed. For example, the communication light-emitting part X1 and the communication light-receiving part Y1 can also be located between the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12. By disposing the communication light-emitting part X1 and the communication light-receiving part Y1 between the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12, the communication light-emitting part X1 and the communication light-receiving part Y1 can be arranged close together. Furthermore, the first light-emitting part 11 is located between the communication light-emitting part X1 and the communication light-receiving part Y1, and either the communication light-emitting part X1 or the communication light-receiving part Y1 can also be located between the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12. With this arrangement, the first light-emitting part 11 and the second light-emitting part 12 can be arranged separately. In the aforementioned operator 1A, the handle-side opening 30X (first opening 301) on the operating surface 31A of the operating handle 3 is connected to the window (third opening 303), but the handle-side opening 30X and the window (third opening 303) may not be connected. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, a partition wall 31C is integrally provided with the body 31 of the operating handle 3 to separate the handle-side opening 30X from the window (third opening 303). That is, the opening 30 includes the handle-side opening 30X and the window (third opening 303) which are separated from each other. Here, the partition wall 31C is provided in a vertical direction to connect the upper peripheral portion and the lower peripheral portion of the opening 30 between the right end of the window (i.e., the third opening 303) and the left end of the handle-side opening 30X (first opening 301). A cover member 42 of a light-transmitting cover 4 is inserted into the third opening 303, which becomes a window hole, and an optical member 41 is inserted into the first opening 301, which becomes a handle-side opening 30X. The optical components 41 mounted on the 1st to 4th operating handles 3E to 3H guide light from the display light-emitting unit 10 to the front surface of the optical component 41, and then emit light to the outside from the front surface of the optical component 41. The optical component 41 mounted on the 4th operating handle 3H guides light from the communication light-emitting unit X1 to the front surface of the optical component 41, and then emits light to the outside from the front surface of the optical component 41. The optical component 41 mounted on the 4th operating handle 3H guides light from the setting unit 500 to the rear surface of the optical component 41, and then emits light to the communication light-receiving unit Y1 from the rear surface of the optical component 41. Furthermore, when a nameplate 32 is provided on the back side of the operating handle 3, the text on the nameplate 32 can be viewed from the front side of the operating device 1 by inserting the cover member 42 into the window (third opening 303). As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the handle-side opening 30X is separated from the window (third opening 303) by the partition wall 31C, and the optical component 41 is inserted into the handle-side opening 30X. Here, when setting the load address of the push-button switch 6 using the setting device 500, the part housing the communication module 502 is aligned with the optical component 41 in the housing of the setting device 500. Since the optical component 41 is inserted into the handle-side opening 30X separated from the window (third opening 303), it is easy to understand the position of the optical component 41 with the part housing the communication module 502 facing each other, which has the advantage of improving the workability of the setting operation. Alternatively, the cover component 42 and the optical component 41 are integrally formed, but the cover component 42 and the optical component 41 can also be independent components. Furthermore, in the operator 1 of the above embodiment, similar to the operator 1A shown in Figures 26 and 27, the handle-side opening 30X, namely the first opening 301 and the second opening 302, and the third opening 303, which serves as a window, can be separated by a partition wall provided on the main body 31.

[0219] In the aforementioned operators 1 and 1A, the communication light-emitting unit X1 and the communication light-receiving unit Y1, used for wireless communication with the setting device 500, are configured to correspond to the lowermost of the four operating handles 3 (the fourth operating handles 3D and 3H). Therefore, the communication light-emitting unit X1 and the communication light-receiving unit Y1 are located at a height position suitable for the user to set the address of the setting device 500. However, the communication light-emitting unit X1 and the communication light-receiving unit Y1 can also be configured to correspond to an operating handle 3 other than the lowermost of the four operating handles 3 (for example, the first operating handles 3A and 3E).

[0220] (4) Summary The first-state operator (1, 1A) includes a substrate (7), a housing (2), and an operating handle (3). A display light-emitting unit (10), a communication light-emitting unit (X1), a communication light-receiving unit (Y1), and a push-button switch (6) are provided on the substrate (7). The housing (2) houses the substrate (7). The operating handle (3) has an operating surface (31A) for receiving operations and is mounted on the housing (2) so that the push-button switch (6) can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface (31A). The housing (2) has a housing-side opening (20) through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit (X1) and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit (Y1) passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit (10). The operating surface (31A) of the operating handle (3) has a handle-side opening (30X) through which light passing through the housing-side opening (20) passes.

[0221] According to this configuration, at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit (X1) and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit (Y1) and the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit (10) can pass through the handle-side opening (30X) provided on the operating surface (31A) of the operating handle (3). Therefore, in the housing (2), the operating handle (3) can also be arranged in the arrangement space where at least one of the communication light-emitting unit (X1) and the communication light-receiving unit (Y1) and the display light-emitting unit (10) are arranged, which has the advantage of increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the operating handle (3).

[0222] In the second state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the first state, the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part (X1), the light received by the communication light-receiving part (Y1), and the light emitted by the display light-emitting part (10) can pass through the housing side opening (20).

[0223] According to this configuration, the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit (X1), the light received by the communication light-receiving unit (Y1), and the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit (10) can pass through the handle-side opening (30X) provided on the operating surface (31A) of the operating handle (3). Therefore, the operating handle (3) can also be arranged in the housing (2) in the arrangement space where the communication light-emitting unit (X1), the communication light-receiving unit (Y1), and the display light-emitting unit (10) are arranged, which has the advantage of increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the operating handle (3).

[0224] In the third state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the first or second state, the operating handle (3) has a light-transmitting optical component (41) disposed in the handle side opening (30X).

[0225] According to this configuration, at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit (X1) and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit (Y1) can be indirectly emitted through the optical component (41) along with the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit (10).

[0226] In the fourth state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the third state, with the operating handle (3) installed in the housing (2), a protrusion (410) protruding toward the substrate (7) is provided on the optical component (41). With the operating handle (3) installed in the housing (2), at least a portion of the protrusion (410) is inserted into the housing side opening (20).

[0227] According to this configuration, at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting unit (X1) and the light received by the communication light-receiving unit (Y1) can be indirectly emitted from the light emitted by the display light-emitting unit (10) through the protrusion (410) of the optical component (41).

[0228] In the fifth type of operator (1, 1A), as in any of the first to fourth types, a window (303) is provided on the operating surface (31A) of the operating handle (3) at a location different from the handle-side opening (30X).

[0229] According to this configuration, for example, when a sign (32) is provided on the back side of the operating handle (3), the text of the sign (32) can be viewed through the window (303).

[0230] In the sixth state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the fifth state, the operating handle (3) has a light-transmitting cover member (42) disposed in the window opening (303).

[0231] According to this configuration, for example, when a sign (32) is provided on the back side of the operating handle (3), the text of the sign (32) can be viewed through the cover member (42) provided in the window (303).

[0232] In the seventh state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the sixth state, a cover (33) of the surface opposite to the operating surface (31A) of the cover member (42) is provided on the operating handle (3).

[0233] According to this configuration, for example, when a nameplate (32) is provided on the back side of the operating handle (3), the nameplate (32) can be kept between the cover member (42) and the cover (33).

[0234] In the eighth state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the seventh state, the cover (33) has a first end (33A) and a second end (33B) facing each other. When the first end (33A) can rotate around the second end (33B), the second end (33B) of the cover (33) is supported on the operating handle (3).

[0235] According to this configuration, the sign (32) can be installed or removed while the cover (33) is open.

[0236] In the 9th state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the 8th state, a gripping part (333) is provided on the part of the cover (33) opposite to the operating surface (31A) of the operating handle (3), protruding from the position closer to the 1st end (33A) than the 2nd end (33B) toward the operating handle (3).

[0237] According to this state, the cover (33) can be opened and closed by grasping the holding part (333).

[0238] In the 10th state of the operator (1, 1A), as in any of the 5th to 9th states, the handle-side opening (30X) is connected to the window (303).

[0239] According to this design, compared with the case where the handle-side opening (30X) and window (303) are individually provided, it has the advantage of being easier to manufacture.

[0240] In the 11th type of operator (1, 1A), such as any of the 5th to 10th types, the operating handle (3) has a light-transmitting optical component (41) disposed in the handle side opening (30X) and a light-transmitting cover component (42) disposed in the window (303). The optical component (41) and the cover component (42) are integrally provided.

[0241] According to this configuration, compared with the case where the optical component (41) and the cover component (42) are set as independent parts, there is an advantage in improving the workability of the assembly operation.

[0242] In the 12th state of the operator (1, 1A), such as any of the 1st to 11th states, the display light-emitting part (10) is located between the communication light-emitting part (X1) and the communication light-receiving part (Y1).

[0243] Based on this configuration, a light-emitting part (10) for display can be positioned in the center of the handle-side opening (30X).

[0244] In the 13th state of the operator (1, 1A), as in any of the 1st to 12th states, the display light-emitting part (10) has a plurality of light-emitting parts (11, 12) with different light-emitting colors.

[0245] Based on this pattern, various displays can be achieved by using multiple light-emitting parts (11, 12) with different light-emitting colors.

[0246] In the 14th state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the 13th state, a plurality of light-emitting parts (11, 12) include a first light-emitting part (11) and a second light-emitting part (12). The communication light-emitting part (X1) and the communication light-receiving part (Y1) are located between the first light-emitting part (11) and the second light-emitting part (12).

[0247] Based on this configuration, the communication light-emitting unit (X1) and the communication light-receiving unit (Y1) can be arranged close to each other.

[0248] In the 15th state of the operator (1, 1A), as in the 13th state, a plurality of light-emitting parts (11, 12) include a first light-emitting part (11) and a second light-emitting part (12). The first light-emitting part (11) is located between the communication light-emitting part (X1) and the communication light-receiving part (Y1), and either the communication light-emitting part (X1) or the communication light-receiving part (Y1) is located between the first light-emitting part (11) and the second light-emitting part (12).

[0249] According to this configuration, the first light-emitting part (11) and the second light-emitting part (12) can be arranged separately.

[0250] In the 16th state of the operator (1, 1A), as in any of the 1st to 15th states, a plurality of operating handles (3) are provided. The plurality of operating handles (3) are arranged in a manner that runs along the length of the operator (1, 1A). On the substrate (7), a display light-emitting part (10) and a push-button switch (6) are provided at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of operating handles (3), and a communication light-emitting part (X1) and a communication light-receiving part (Y1) are provided at positions corresponding to at least one of the plurality of operating handles (3).

[0251] According to this pattern, multiple push-button switches (6) can be operated by one operator (1, 1A).

[0252] The communication system (110) of the 17th state has an operator (1, 1A) of any of the 1st to 16th states, and a communication device (111) that communicates with the operator (1, 1A).

[0253] Based on this configuration, a communication system (110) with an operator (1, 1A) that improves operability can be realized.

[0254] The operating handle (3) of the 18th state includes: a main body (31) having an operating surface (31A); and a mounting part (3X) for mounting the main body (31) onto the housing (2) of the operator (1, 1A) in a state where the button switch (6) can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface (31A). The operator (1, 1A) includes a base plate (7) and a housing (2). A display light-emitting part (10), a communication light-emitting part (X1), a communication light-receiving part (Y1), and a button switch (6) are provided on the base plate (7). The housing (2) houses the base plate (7). The housing (2) is provided with a housing side opening (20) through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part (X1) and the light received by the communication light-receiving part (Y1) passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting part (10). A handle-side opening (30X) is provided on the operating surface (31A) of the main body (31) to allow light to pass through the housing-side opening (20).

[0255] Based on this state, an operator (1, 1A) that can improve the configuration freedom of the operating handle (3) can be realized.

[0256] The operator body (1X) of the 19th state includes: a substrate (7) having a display light-emitting part (10), a communication light-emitting part (X1), a communication light-receiving part (Y1), and a push-button switch (6); and a housing (2) for housing the substrate (7). The housing (2) has a support part (23) for mounting an operating handle (3) in a state where the push-button switch (6) can be pressed. The housing (2) has a housing-side opening (20) through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part (X1) and the light received by the communication light-receiving part (Y1) passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting part (10).

[0257] According to this configuration, there is an advantage in increasing the degree of freedom in configuring the operating handle (3) installed on the operator body (1X).

[0258] The configuration of states 2 through 16 is not a necessary configuration for the operator (1, 1A) of state 1, and can be omitted appropriately.

[0259] 1,1A: Operator 1X: Operator Body 2: Shell 3: Operating handle 3A: First operating handle 3B: Second operating handle 3C: Third Operating Handle 3D: The 4th Handle 3E: First Operating Handle 3F: Second Operating Handle 3G: The third operating handle 3H: 4th operating handle 3X: Installation Department 4: Light-transmitting cover 5: Installation frame 6: Push-button switch 6A: First switch group 6B: Second switch group 6C: Third switch group 6D: 4th switch group 7:Substrate 7A: First mounting surface 7B: Second mounting surface 8: Quick Connect Terminal Block 9,91,92: Control Terminal 10: Light-emitting part for display 10A: First display light-emitting unit 10B: Second display light-emitting unit 10C: 3rd Display Light-Emitting Unit 10D: 4th Display Light-Emitting Unit 11: First Light-Emitting Part (Light-Emitting Section) 12: Second light-emitting part (light-emitting part) 15: Signal Processing Department 16: Setting up the communication unit 17: Ministry of Communications 18: Memory Department 19: Power Supply Section 20: Side opening of the casing 20A~20D: Opening 21: Cover 21A: Front surface 22: Outer shell 22A: Bottom surface 22B: Peripheral section 22C: Back 23,23A: Support Department 30: Opening 30X: Handle side opening 31: Ontology part 31A: Operating surface 31B: Back 31C: Partition wall 32: Signage 33: Cover part 33A: First end 33B: Second end 40: Surface 41: Optical components 42: Cover component 50: Opening 51: Mounting hole 61: First push-button switch 62: Second push-button switch 71: Positioning hole 80: Wire insertion hole 81: First connection terminal 82: Second connection terminal 100: Load System 110: Communication System 111: Communication device 112: Teleportation Line 120: Load Control System 201: First opening 202: Second opening 210: Pressing part 211: Press tablets 212, 212A~212H: Locking holes 213: Extension 213A: End portion 214: slot 215: First protrusion 215A: Hole 216: Second protrusion 216A: Mounting claw 221: Protrusion 222: Insertion protrusion 223: Wheel hub 225:Claw 230, 230A: Rotary shaft 231:Protruding platform 232: Step Difference 301: First opening 302: Second opening 303: Third opening (window hole) 311: First locking part 312: Second locking part 313: First Maintenance Section 314: Second Maintenance Section 314A: Retention section 315: Notch 316: Bearing section 317: Protrusion 318: Hole 331: Shaft 332: protrusion 333: Grip section 334:Contact Department 410: Protrusion 411, 412, 420: Protrusion 500: Setter 501: Operations Department 502: Communication Module 3100: Locking clip 3151:Claw A1, A11, A12: lighting fixtures G1: Light-emitting group L1: Load K1: Decorative Panel Ry1: Relay X1: Light-emitting part for communication Y1: Light receiving part for communication

Claims

1. An operator comprising: a substrate having a display light-emitting portion, a communication light-emitting portion, a communication light-receiving portion, and a push-button switch; a housing housing the substrate; and an operating handle having an operating surface for receiving operations, mounted on the housing such that the push-button switch can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface; and a housing-side opening provided in the housing through which at least one of light emitted by the communication light-emitting portion and light received by the communication light-receiving portion passes with light emitted by the display light-emitting portion; and a handle-side opening provided on the operating surface of the operating handle through which light passing through the housing-side opening passes.

2. The operator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part, the light received by the communication light-receiving part, and the light emitted by the display light-emitting part can pass through the housing side opening.

3. The operator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating handle has a light-transmitting optical component disposed in the handle side opening.

4. The operator as claimed in claim 3, wherein when the operating handle is installed in the housing, a protrusion protruding toward the substrate is provided on the optical component; and when the operating handle is installed in the housing, at least a portion of the protrusion is inserted into the side opening of the housing.

5. The operator as claimed in claim 1, wherein a window is provided on the operating surface of the operating handle at a location different from the opening on the handle side.

6. The operator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the operating handle has a light-transmitting cover member disposed in the window opening.

7. The operator as claimed in claim 6, wherein a cover is provided on the operating handle to cover the surface of the cover member opposite to the operating surface.

8. The operator of claim 7, wherein the cover has a first end and a second end facing each other; and the second end of the cover is supported on the operating handle while the first end is rotatable about the second end.

9. The operator as claimed in claim 8, wherein a grip portion is provided in the cover portion on the side opposite to the operating surface of the operating handle, protruding in the opposite direction to the operating handle from a position closer to the first end than the second end.

10. The operator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the handle-side opening is connected to the window opening.

11. The operator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the operating handle has a light-transmitting optical component disposed in the handle side opening and a light-transmitting cover component disposed in the window; and the optical component and the cover component are integrated.

12. The operator of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting part for display is located between the light-emitting part for communication and the light-receiving part for communication.

13. The operator of claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned display light-emitting part has a plurality of light-emitting parts with different light-emitting colors.

14. The operator of claim 13, wherein the plurality of light-emitting parts includes a first light-emitting part and a second light-emitting part; and the communication light-emitting part and the communication light-receiving part are located between the first light-emitting part and the second light-emitting part.

15. The operator of claim 13, wherein the plurality of light-emitting parts includes a first light-emitting part and a second light-emitting part; and the first light-emitting part is located between the communication light-emitting part and the communication light-receiving part; either the communication light-emitting part or the communication light-receiving part is located between the first light-emitting part and the second light-emitting part.

16. The operator according to claim 1, comprising: a plurality of the aforementioned operating handles; wherein the plurality of the aforementioned operating handles are arranged in a manner that runs along the length of the operator; on the aforementioned substrate, at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of the aforementioned operating handles, the aforementioned display light-emitting portion and the aforementioned push-button switch are provided; at positions corresponding to at least one of the plurality of the aforementioned operating handles, the aforementioned communication light-emitting portion and the aforementioned communication light-receiving portion are provided.

17. A communication system comprising: an operator as described in any one of claims 1 to 16; and a communication device communicating with the operator.

18. An operating handle comprising: a body having an operating surface; and a mounting portion for mounting the body to a housing of an operator in a state where a push-button switch can be pressed according to the operation of the operating surface, the operator comprising: a substrate having a display light-emitting portion, a communication light-emitting portion, a communication light-receiving portion, and the push-button switch; and the housing housing housing the substrate and having a housing-side opening through which at least one of light emitted by the communication light-emitting portion and light received by the communication light-receiving portion passes with light emitted by the display light-emitting portion; and a handle-side opening through which light passing through the housing-side opening passes on the operating surface of the body.

19. An operator body comprising: a substrate having a display light-emitting part, a communication light-emitting part, a communication light-receiving part, and a push-button switch; and a housing for housing the substrate; wherein the housing has a support for mounting an operating handle in a state where the push-button switch can be pressed; wherein, when the operating handle is mounted on the support, a housing-side opening is provided at a position covered by the operating handle, through which at least one of the light emitted by the communication light-emitting part and the light received by the communication light-receiving part passes with the light emitted by the display light-emitting part.

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