U.S. patent application number 15/146202 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for user control device with case containing circuit board extending into mounting location.
This patent application is currently assigned to Johnson Controls Technology Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Johnson Controls Technology Company. Invention is credited to Julio A. Abdala, Juan Guillermo Alvarez, Felippe M. Bicudo, John Peter Cipolla, Vinosh C. Diptee, Patricia Ellis Douglass, Hao A. Nguyen, Joseph R. Ribbich, Michael L. Ribbich, Claudio Santiago Ribeiro, Sudhi Sinha, Amit Verma.
Application Number | 20160327299 15/146202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55969496 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160327299 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ribbich; Joseph R. ; et
al. |
November 10, 2016 |
USER CONTROL DEVICE WITH CASE CONTAINING CIRCUIT BOARD EXTENDING
INTO MOUNTING LOCATION
Abstract
A thermostat includes a housing having a base, a display mount
cantilevered from the base, and a case defining an interior volume
extending between a front surface and a rear surface, a
touch-sensitive display configured to display visual media and
receive user inputs, wherein the touch-sensitive display is
attached to the display mount, processing electronics on a circuit
board positioned at least partially within the interior volume of
the case, wherein the processing electronics are configured to
operate the touch-sensitive display, and a mounting bracket
configured to attach to a mounting location, wherein the mounting
bracket includes a frame defining an aperture and the case extends
through the aperture so that the frame is located between the front
and rear surfaces of the case.
Inventors: |
Ribbich; Joseph R.;
(Waukesha, WI) ; Cipolla; John Peter; (Inverness,
IL) ; Sinha; Sudhi; (Milwaukee, WI) ; Ribbich;
Michael L.; (Oconomowoc, WI) ; Verma; Amit;
(Sunrise, FL) ; Diptee; Vinosh C.; (Boynton Beach,
FL) ; Nguyen; Hao A.; (Lake Worth, FL) ;
Abdala; Julio A.; (SW Ranches, FL) ; Alvarez; Juan
Guillermo; (Weston, FL) ; Bicudo; Felippe M.;
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) ; Douglass; Patricia Ellis;
(Pompano Beach, FL) ; Ribeiro; Claudio Santiago;
(Evanston, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson Controls Technology Company |
Plymouth |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Johnson Controls Technology
Company
Plymouth
MI
|
Family ID: |
55969496 |
Appl. No.: |
15/146202 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62156868 |
May 4, 2015 |
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62247672 |
Oct 28, 2015 |
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62274750 |
Jan 4, 2016 |
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62275711 |
Jan 6, 2016 |
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62275204 |
Jan 5, 2016 |
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62275199 |
Jan 5, 2016 |
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62275202 |
Jan 5, 2016 |
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62260141 |
Nov 25, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2140/00 20180101;
G06F 3/041 20130101; F24F 11/52 20180101; G05D 23/1902 20130101;
H05B 47/11 20200101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 11/50 20180101; F24F
11/62 20180101; F24F 11/70 20180101; F24F 11/63 20180101; G06F
3/0412 20130101; F24F 2110/10 20180101; G05B 15/02 20130101; H05B
47/12 20200101; H05B 47/105 20200101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A thermostat, comprising: a housing, comprising: a base; a
display mount cantilevered from the base; and a case defining an
interior volume extending between a front surface and a rear
surface; a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual
media and receive user inputs, wherein the touch-sensitive display
is attached to the display mount; processing electronics on a
circuit board positioned at least partially within the interior
volume of the case, wherein the processing electronics are
configured to operate the touch-sensitive display; and a mounting
bracket configured to attach to a mounting location, wherein the
mounting bracket includes a frame defining an aperture and the case
extends through the aperture so that the frame is located between
the front and rear surfaces of the case.
2. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the case is attached to the
base and the case is attached to frame.
3. The thermostat of claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket further
includes a second frame defining a second aperture and the case
extends through the second aperture so that the second frame is
located between the base and the rear surface of the case.
4. The thermostat of claim 3, wherein the case is attached to the
second frame and the second frame is attached to the frame.
5. The thermostat of claim 4, wherein the case is attached to the
base by at least one threaded fastener, the case is attached to the
frame by at least one threaded fastener, the case is attached to
the second frame by at least one threaded fastener, and the second
frame is attached to the frame by at least one snap-fit
connection.
6. The thermostat of claim 2, wherein the frame includes a first
flange and the second frame includes a second flange spaced apart
from the first flange by a distance corresponding to the thickness
of the mounting location.
7. The thermostat of claim 6, wherein the first flange is
configured to contact an inner surface of the mounting
location.
8. The thermostat of claim 7, wherein the second flange is
configured to contact an outer surface of the mounting
location.
9. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the base defines a base
interior volume and the circuit board is positioned partially
within the base interior volume.
10. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the base and the display
mount are not opaque.
11. The thermostat of claim 10, wherein the touch-sensitive display
is not opaque.
12. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is
configured to attach the housing to the mounting location.
13. A thermostat, comprising: a housing, comprising: a base; a
display mount; and a case defining an interior volume extending
between a front surface and a rear surface; a touch-sensitive
display configured to display visual media and receive user inputs,
wherein the touch-sensitive display is attached to the display
mount; processing electronics on a circuit board positioned at
least partially within the interior volume of the case, wherein the
processing electronics are configured to operate the
touch-sensitive display; and a mounting bracket configured to
attach to a mounting location, wherein the mounting bracket
comprises: a first frame defining a first aperture; and a second
frame defining a second aperture, wherein the case extends through
the first aperture so that the first frame is located between the
front and rear surfaces of the case and the second frame is located
between the base and the rear surface of the case.
14. The thermostat of claim 13, wherein the case is attached to the
base, the case is attached to first frame, the case is attached to
the second frame, and the first frame is attached to the second
frame.
15. The thermostat of claim 13, wherein the first frame includes a
first flange and the second frame includes a second flange spaced
apart from the first flange by a distance corresponding to the
thickness of the mounting location.
16. The thermostat of claim 15, wherein the first flange is
configured to contact an inner surface of the mounting
location.
17. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein the second flange is
configured to contact an outer surface of the mounting
location.
18. The thermostat of claim 13, wherein the base defines a base
interior volume and the circuit board is positioned partially
within the base interior volume.
19. The thermostat of claim 13, wherein the base and the display
mount are not opaque.
20. The thermostat of claim 19, wherein the touch-sensitive display
is not opaque.
21. The thermostat of claim 13, wherein the mounting bracket is
configured to attach the housing to the mounting location.
22. A thermostat, comprising: a housing, comprising: a base; a
display mount cantilevered from the base; and a case defining an
interior volume extending between a front surface and a rear
surface; a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual
media and receive user inputs, wherein the touch-sensitive display
is attached to the display mount; processing electronics on a
circuit board positioned at least partially within the interior
volume of the case, wherein the processing electronics are
configured to operate the touch-sensitive display; and a plurality
of mounting tabs pivotably coupled to the case, each mounting tab
movable between a retracted position and an extended position where
the mounting tab extends outward from the case; wherein, with the
mounting tabs in the retracted position, the case is configured to
extend into an aperture in a mounting location; and wherein, with
the mounting tabs in the extended position, the mounting tabs are
configured to contact an inner surface of the mounting location to
attach the housing to the mounting location.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/156,868, filed May 4, 2015, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/247,672, filed Oct. 28, 2015, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/274,750, filed Jan. 4, 2016, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/275,199, filed Jan. 5, 2016, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/275,202, filed Jan. 5, 2016, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/275,204, filed Jan. 5, 2016, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/275,711, filed Jan. 6, 2016,
all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to user control
devices and more particularly to thermostats for controlling a
building or space's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
(HVAC) system.
[0003] A thermostat is, in general, a component of an HVAC control
system. Traditional thermostats sense the temperature or other
parameters (e.g., humidity) of a system and control components of
the HVAC system in order to maintain a set point for the
temperature or other parameter. A thermostat may be designed to
control a heating or cooling system or an air conditioner.
Thermostats are manufactured in many ways, and use a variety of
sensors to measure temperature and other desired parameters of a
system.
[0004] Conventional thermostats are configured for one-way
communication to connected components, and to control HVAC systems
by turning on or off certain components or by regulating flow. Each
thermostat may include a temperature sensor and a user interface.
The user interface typically includes display for presenting
information to a user and one or more user interface elements for
receiving input from a user. To control the temperature of a
building or space, a user adjusts the set point via the
thermostat's user interface.
SUMMARY
[0005] One embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat
including a housing having a base, a display mount cantilevered
from the base, and a case defining an interior volume extending
between a front surface and a rear surface, a touch-sensitive
display configured to display visual media and receive user inputs,
wherein the touch-sensitive display is attached to the display
mount, processing electronics on a circuit board positioned at
least partially within the interior volume of the case, wherein the
processing electronics are configured to operate the
touch-sensitive display, and a mounting bracket configured to
attach to a mounting location, wherein the mounting bracket
includes a frame defining an aperture and the case extends through
the aperture so that the frame is located between the front and
rear surfaces of the case.
[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat
including a housing having a base, a display mount cantilevered
from the base, and a case defining an interior volume extending
between a front surface and a rear surface, a touch-sensitive
display configured to display visual media and receive user inputs,
wherein the touch-sensitive display is attached to the display
mount, processing electronics on a circuit board positioned at
least partially within the interior volume of the case, wherein the
processing electronics are configured to operate the
touch-sensitive display, wherein with the housing attached to a
wall, the case extends through an aperture in the mounting location
so that at least a portion of the case and at least a portion of
the circuit board are located within the wall.
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat
including a housing having a base, a display mount, a defining an
interior volume extending between a front surface and a rear
surface, a touch-sensitive display configured to display visual
media and receive user inputs, wherein the touch-sensitive display
is attached to the display mount, processing electronics on a
circuit board positioned at least partially within the interior
volume of the case, wherein the processing electronics are
configured to operate the touch-sensitive display, and a mounting
bracket configured to attach to a mounting location. The mounting
bracket includes a first frame defining a first aperture and a
second frame defining a second aperture, wherein the case extends
through the first aperture so that the first frame is located
between the front and rear surfaces of the case and the second
frame is located between the base and the rear surface of the
case.
[0008] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat
including a housing having a base, a display mount cantilevered
from the base, and a case defining an interior volume extending
between a front surface and a rear surface, a touch-sensitive
display configured to display visual media and receive user inputs,
wherein the touch-sensitive display is attached to the display
mount, processing electronics on a circuit board positioned at
least partially within the interior volume of the case, wherein the
processing electronics are configured to operate the
touch-sensitive display, and one or more mounting tabs pivotably
coupled to the case, each mounting tab movable between a retracted
position and an extended position where the mounting tab extends
outward from the case. With the mounting tabs in the retracted
position, the case is configured to extend into an aperture in a
mounting location. With the mounting tabs in the extended position,
the mounting tabs are configured to contact an inner surface of the
mounting location to attach the housing to the mounting
location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view from above of a
thermostat according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view from below of the
thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a section view the thermostat of FIG. 3 along
line 3A-3A.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a rear perspective view of the housing of the
thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of a portion of the thermostat
of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a portion of the
thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front view of the portion of the thermostat of
FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a section view of the portion of the thermostat
of FIG. 10 along line 11-11.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a section view of the portion of the thermostat
of FIG. 10 along line 12-12.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side view of the thermostat of FIG. 1 attached
to a wall.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a front view perspective view from above of a
thermostat according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a front view of the thermostat of FIG. 14 with a
front cover removed.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a side view of the thermostat of FIG. 14 attached
to a wall.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Referring generally to the Figures, a multi-function user
control device is shown, according to various exemplary
embodiments. The user control device may be implanted as a
thermostat to control a HVAC system. The user control device may be
implemented as a smart hub and may be connected to any of a variety
of controllable systems and devices. For example, the user control
device may be connected to a home automation system, a building
automation system, an HVAC system, a lighting system, a security
system, an electrical system, a sprinkler system, a home
entertainment system, and/or any other type of system that can be
monitored or controlled via a user control device. The user control
device may be implemented in any of a variety of environments
(e.g., a home, a building, a classroom, a hotel, a healthcare
facility, a vehicle, etc.) and used to monitor, control, and/or
facilitate user interaction with controllable systems or devices in
such environments. For example, the user control device may be a
thermostat installed in a home or building (e.g., mounted on a
wall).
[0029] The user control device includes a housing that contains
electronic components and a touch-sensitive display for displaying
visual media (e.g., information, text, graphics, etc.) to a user
and receiving user inputs. The housing is selectively attached to a
mounting plate to mount the user control device to a mounting
surface such as a wall. The housing includes a display mount or
support plate that supports the touch-sensitive display. The
display mount is cantilevered vertically from the base of the
housing such that the entire touch-sensitive display and the
display mount are spaced a distance away from the wall when the
user control device is attached to a wall. The touch-sensitive
display, the display mount, and a protective cover for the display
are not opaque (e.g., transparent or translucent), which minimizes
the visible footprint of the user control device to a user relative
to conventional opaque user control devices. The housing may also
include one or more light sources. The light sources may be
configured to emit light toward the wall, thereby creating lighting
effects on the wall. The light sources may also emit light in
alternative or additional directions.
[0030] The user control device can be equipped with one or more of
a variety of sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality,
proximity, light, vibration, motion, optical, audio, occupancy,
power, security, etc.) configured to sense a variable state or
condition of the environment in which the user control device is
installed. The user control device may include a variety of user
interface devices (e.g., a touch-sensitive panel, an electronic
display, speakers, haptic feedback, microphone, ambient lighting,
etc.) configured to facilitate user interaction with the user
control device. The user control device may include a data
communications interface configured to facilitate communications
between the user control device and remote sensor units, a building
automation system, a home automation system, HVAC equipment, mobile
devices (e.g., via WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE, LAA LTE, etc.), a
communications network (e.g., a LAN, WAN, 802.11, the Internet, a
cellular network, etc.), and/or any other systems or devices to
which the user control device may be connected.
[0031] The user control device may be configured to function as a
connected smart hub. For example, the user control device may be
configured to receive voice commands from a user and control
connected equipment in response to the voice commands. The user
control device may be configured to connect to mobile devices
(e.g., a user's phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) or other networked
devices (e.g., a desktop computer) to allow remote monitoring and
control of connected systems. The user control device may be
configured to detect the occupancy of a room or space in which the
user control device is installed and may perform a variety of
occupancy-based control processes. The user control device may
monitor the performance of connected equipment (e.g., HVAC
equipment) and may perform diagnostics based on data received from
the HVAC equipment.
[0032] The user control device may function as a wireless
communications hub (e.g., a wireless router, an access point, etc.)
and may be configured to bridge communications between various
systems and devices. For example, the user control device may
include a cellular communications transceiver, a modem, an Ethernet
transceiver, or other communications hardware configured to
communicate with an external communications network (e.g., a
cellular network, a WAN, the Internet, etc.). The user control
device may include a WiFi transceiver configured to communicate
with nearby mobile devices. The user control device may be
configured to bridge communications between mobile devices and
external communications networks. This functionality allows the
user control device to replace networking equipment (e.g., a modem,
a wireless router, etc.) in building or vehicle and to provide
Internet connectivity. For example, the user control device may
function as a WiFi hotspot or a micro cell within a building or
vehicle and may communicate with the Internet via an integrated
Ethernet transceiver, a cellular transceiver (e.g., for locations
not serviced by an Internet service provider), a coaxial cable, or
other data communications hardware.
[0033] The user control device may receive weather forecasts from a
weather service and severe weather alerts. The user control device
may have ambient lighting components that emit specific light
colors or patterns to indicate sever weather alerts or other
alerts. The user control device may also receive utility rate
information from a utility provider. The user control device may
use the weather forecasts in conjunction with the utility rate
information to optimize (e.g., minimize) the energy consumption of
the home or building. In some embodiments, the user control device
generates a utility bill forecast and recommends set point
modifications to reduce energy consumption or energy cost. In some
embodiments, the user control device receives energy consumption
information for other homes/buildings from a remote system and
compares the energy consumption of connected HVAC equipment to the
energy consumption of the other homes/buildings.
[0034] FIGS. 1-13 illustrate a multi-function user control device
or thermostat 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
thermostat 100 is configured to be mounted on a wall (e.g., a
vertical wall within a dwelling, home, building, etc.) or other
suitable mounting location (e.g., a ledge, a control panel, or
other surface of an object within a building space, furniture, a
dashboard, a vehicle seat, or other vehicle surface, etc.).
[0035] As shown in FIG. 8, the thermostat 100 includes a housing
102, a touch-sensitive display 104, a protective cover 106 for the
display 104, a face plate or front cover 108, a molding or top
cover 110 that covers a portion of the housing 102, a sleeve or
case 112 for housing one or more circuit boards or other electronic
components, shown as circuit board 114, an end plate or cover 116,
and a mounting bracket 118 including a first or interior bracket or
frame 120 and a second or exterior bracket or frame 122. The
assembled components of the thermostat 100 other than the mounting
bracket 118 and any fastener or other components used to fasten the
mounting bracket 118 to the mounting location are referred to as
the "thermostat body."
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3A, 8, and 8A, the housing 102 includes a
main portion or base 124 and a cantilevered plate or display mount
126 extending from the front of the base 124. The base 124 defines
a pocket or volume 128 that the circuit board 114 may be partially
located within. The volume 128 is defined by two side walls 130 and
132, a top wall 134, and a rear wall 136. The two side walls 130
and 132 and the top wall 134 extend outward from the rear wall 136,
with the top wall 134 connecting the two side walls 130 and 132.
The two side walls 130 and 132 both include a front end 138 that
includes a vertical segment 140 and a curved or angled segment 142
that angles downward from the vertical segment 140 at an angle of
about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle is greater or
smaller (e.g., between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. In other
embodiments, the front end 138 of the side walls 130 and 132 are
curved. In other embodiments, the base 124 includes a front wall
and a bottom wall that connect to the two side walls 130 and 132
and the top wall 134 (e.g., resulting in a housing that is
rectangular in cross-section).
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the housing 102 includes a
display mount 126 (back plate, mounting plate) that extends past
the top wall 134 of the base 124. The display mount 126 is
cantilevered from the base 124. The display mount 126 provides a
mounting surface 150 for attaching the display 104 to the housing
102. The display mount 126 has a height 144 (measured from the top
surface of the top wall 134 to a top or free end 152, a width 146
measured from a first or left side 156 to a second or right side
158 (FIG. 7), and a thickness 160 measured from the front or
mounting surface 150 to a rear or back surface 162.
[0038] As illustrated, the display mount 126 extends upwardly in a
cantilevered fashion from the base 124 so that the display mount
126 is located above the base 124 in the normal operating position
of the thermostat 100. In alternative embodiments, the display
mount extends downwardly in a cantilevered fashion from the base so
that the display mount is located below the base in the normal
operating position of the thermostat. In alternative embodiments,
the display mount extends sideways in a cantilevered fashion from
the base so that the display mount is located even with and to one
side of the base in the normal operating position of the
thermostat.
[0039] The display mount 126 may be configured as a portrait
display with the width 146 less than the height 144 (as shown in
FIGS. 1-13), a landscape display with the width 146 greater than
the height 144, or as a square display with the width 146 equal to
the height 144. The top surface of the top wall 134 and the top end
152 of the display mount 126 are parallel to one another. The left
side 156 and the right side 158 are parallel to one another. The
mounting surface 150 and the back surface 162 are parallel to one
another. The top end 152 is perpendicular to the left side 156 and
the right side 158. In some embodiments, the display mount 126 is
arranged with the four sides not arranged in a rectangle or square
(e.g., a parallelogram, a rhombus, a trapezoid, etc.) in shapes
with more or fewer than four sides (e.g., a triangle, a pentagon, a
hexagon, etc.), as a circle, as an oval or ellipse, or other shape
suitable for mounting a display.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 8A, the rear wall 136 of the base 124 of
the housing 102 is arranged vertically and is planar. The back
surface 162 of the display mount 126 is spaced apart from the rear
wall 136 by a horizontal distance. As illustrated, the horizontal
distance is constant over the height 144 of the display mount 126
so that the back surface 162 of the display mount 126 is parallel
to rear wall 136. The mounting surface 150 of the display mount 126
is perpendicular to the top surface of the top wall 134. The back
surface 162 of the display mount 126 is perpendicular to the top
surface of the top wall 134. In other embodiments the horizontal
distance may decrease from the top wall 134 of the base to the top
end 152 of the display mount 126 so that the display mount 126
angles toward the wall. In other embodiments the horizontal
distance may increase from the top wall 134 of the base to the top
end 152 of the display mount 126 so that the display mount 126
angles away from the wall. As illustrated, the display mount 126 is
positioned at the front of the base 124. In other embodiments, the
display mount 126 is positioned between the front of the base 124
and the rear wall 136 of the base 124, but is spaced apart from the
rear wall 136 by the horizontal distance (i.e., the back surface
162 of the display mount 126 is not coplanar with the rear wall 136
of the base 124).
[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the touch-sensitive display 104 is
attached to the mounting surface 150 of the display mount 126
(e.g., by adhesive or other appropriate fastening techniques). The
protective cover 106 is attached to front surface of the display
104 to protect the display 104 from impacts and other damage. The
protective cover 106 is transparent so as to not impair the display
function of the touch-sensitive display 104. In some embodiments,
the protective cover 106 is omitted. In other embodiments, the
protective cover is an integral component of the display 104.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 8A, in the illustrated embodiment, the
housing 102 is a single integrally formed component that includes
both the base 124 and the display mount 126. Forming the housing
102 as a single integral component helps the thermostat 100
withstand the torque applied about the connecting point between the
display mount 126 and the base 124 when a user pushes on the
touch-sensitive display 104. The relatively large thickness 160 of
the display mount 126 also helps withstand this torque.
[0043] The touch-sensitive display 104 may be a touchscreen or
other type of electronic display configured to present information
to a user in a visual format (e.g., as text, graphics, etc.) and
receive input from a user (e.g., via a touch-sensitive panel). For
example, the touch-sensitive display 104 may include a
touch-sensitive panel layered on top of an electronic visual
display. A user can provide inputs through simple or multi-touch
gestures by touching the display 104 with one or more fingers
and/or with a stylus or pen. The touch-sensitive display 104 can
use any of a variety of touch-sensing technologies to receive user
inputs, such as capacitive sensing (e.g., surface capacitance,
projected capacitance, mutual capacitance, self-capacitance, etc.),
resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave, infrared grid, infrared
acrylic projection, optical imaging, dispersive signal technology,
acoustic pulse recognition, or other touch-sensitive technologies
known in the art. Many of these technologies allow for multi-touch
responsiveness of display 104 allowing registration of touch in two
or even more locations at once. The display may use any of a
variety of display technologies such as light emitting diode (LED),
organic light-emitting diode (OLED), liquid-crystal display (LCD),
organic light-emitting transistor (OLET), surface-conduction
electron-emitter display (SED), field emission display (FED),
digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal on silicon (LCoC),
or any other display technologies known in the art. In some
embodiments, the touch-sensitive display 104 is configured to
present visual media (e.g., text, graphics, etc.) without requiring
a backlight.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the touch-sensitive display 104,
the protective cover 106, and the display mount 126 (collectively,
the "display assembly") are not opaque, which allows the surface
behind display assembly to be seen through the display assembly by
a user operating or observing the thermostat 100. In embodiments
omitting the protective cover 106 or in which a protective cover is
an integral component of the touch-sensitive display 104, the
"display assembly" consists of the touch-sensitive display 104 and
the display mount 126. Not opaque means that at least some visible
light is able to pass through the component and includes
transparent and translucent components. For example, when the
thermostat 100 is mounted on a wall, the wall is visible through
the display assembly. This allows the thermostat to blend in to its
surroundings when not in use (e.g. when no visual media is being
displayed on the touch screen display). In the illustrated
embodiment, the entire housing 102 is not opaque. In other
embodiments, only the display mount 126 portion of the housing is
not opaque. The housing 102 may be formed from a variety of
materials (e.g., polymers including acrylics, metals, composite
materials, laminates, etc.)
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9-13, the housing 102 and the case
112 contain various electronic components, including one or more
sensors, components configured to perform control functions (e.g.,
circuit boards, processing circuits, memory, a processor, etc.),
components configured to facilitate communications (e.g., a WiFi
transceiver, a cellular transceiver, a communications interface,
etc.), and components configured to provide a visual display via
the touch-sensitive display 104 (e.g., a video card or module,
etc.). Various electronic components may also be contained within
the case 112. As shown in FIG. 11, the circuit board 114 carries
various electronic components and the circuit board 114 is
positioned within the housing 102 and the case 112.
[0046] The sensors may include a temperature sensor, a humidity
sensor, a motion or occupancy sensor (e.g., a passive infrared
sensor), an air quality sensor (e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, allergens, smoke, etc.), a proximity sensor (e.g., a
thermopile to detect the presence of a human and/or NFC, RFID,
Bluetooth, sensors to detect the presence of a mobile device,
etc.), a camera, a microphone, a light sensor, a vibration sensor,
or any other type of sensor configured to measure a variable state
or condition of the environment in which the thermostat 100 is
installed. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is used to
turn on the display 104 to present visual media when the user is
close to the thermostat 100 and turn off the display 104 when the
user is not close to the thermostat 100, leading to less power
usage and longer display life. Some sensors such as a proximity
sensor, a motion sensor, a camera, a light sensor, or an optical
sensor may positioned within the housing 102 to monitor the space
near the thermostat 100 through a sensor lens. The lens is not
opaque and allows at least the frequencies of light necessary for
the particular sensor to function to pass therethrough, allowing
the sensor to "see" or "look" through the lens.
[0047] In other embodiments, one or more sensors may be located
external to the housing 102 and may provide input to the thermostat
100 via a data communications link. For example, one or more
sensors may be installed in a gang box behind the thermostat 100,
installed in a separate gang box mounted within the same wall to
which the thermostat 100 is mounted, or otherwise located
throughout the room or space monitored or controlled by the
thermostat 100 (e.g., in a wall, in a ceiling panel, in an open
volume of the room or space, in a duct providing airflow to the
room or space or receiving airflow from the room or space, etc.).
This allows the thermostat 100 to monitor the input from a variety
of sensors positioned at disparate locations. For example, a
humidity sensor may be positioned in a wall and configured to
measure the humidity within the wall (e.g., to detect water leakage
or burst pipes).
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9-13, the circuit board 114 may
include one or more sensors (e.g., a temperature sensor, a humidity
sensor, etc.), communications electronics, a processing circuit,
and/or other electronics configured to facilitate the functions of
the thermostat 100. As shown in FIG. 13, the circuit board 114 is
oriented substantially perpendicular to the display mount 126 and
the rear wall 136 of the base 124.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, the circuit board
114 functions at least in part as a sensor board and has one or
more sensors, including a proximity sensor, a motion or occupancy
sensor, and a temperature sensor 172. In some embodiments, the
circuit board 114 functions at least in part as control board and
includes processing electronics 174 and a power supply or battery
176. The processing electronics 174 are coupled (e.g., by a cable
or wiring harness) to the touch-sensitive display 104 to receive
user inputs from the display 104 and provide outputs to control the
display 104 to control operation of the display 104. In some
embodiments, the power supply 176 is rechargeable. In some
embodiments, the power supply 176 can be replaced by the user. The
processing electronics can include a processor and memory device.
Processor can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components,
or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory device
(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) is one or more
devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for
storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating
the various processes, layers and modules described in the present
application. Memory device may be or include volatile memory or
non-volatile memory. Memory device may include database components,
object code components, script components, or any other type of
information structure for supporting the various activities and
information structures described in the present application.
According to an exemplary embodiment, memory device is communicably
connected to processor via processing circuit and includes computer
code for executing (e.g., by processing circuit and/or processor)
one or more processes described herein. In some embodiments, the
electronic components are variously distributed among two or more
circuit boards.
[0050] In some embodiments, the case 112 is formed as a sleeve
having a substantially rectangular cross-section. As shown in FIG.
8B, the case 112 includes a top wall 178, a bottom wall 180, a
first or left sidewall 182 and a second or right sidewall 184. The
sidewalls 182 and 184 connect the top wall 178 and the bottom wall
180 to define an interior volume 186. The case 112 also has a front
surface or face 188 that defines an opening or aperture 190 and a
rear surface or face 192 that defines an opening or aperture 194.
Mounting bosses 196, 198, 200, and 202 are formed at the front face
188 at the corners between the top wall 178 and the sidewall 182,
the top wall 178 and the sidewall 184, the bottom wall 180 and the
sidewall 182, and the bottom wall 180 and the sidewall 184,
respectively. Mounting boss 204 is formed at the front face 188 on
the top wall 178 between the sidewall 182 and the sidewall 184
(e.g., at the center of the top wall 178). Mounting boss 206 is
formed at the front face 188 on the bottom wall 180 between the
sidewall 182 and the sidewall 184 (e.g., at the center of the
bottom wall 180). Each mounting boss 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, and
206 includes an opening or aperture 207, 208, 210, 212, 214, and
216, respectively, to receive a fastener. In some embodiments, the
apertures and the fasteners are threaded to establish a threaded
connection between the two. The case 112 extends for a length
between the front face 188 and the rear face 192 sufficient to
accommodate the circuit board 114.
[0051] The end wall 116 closes the opening 194 in the rear face
192. The end wall 116 includes wire terminals 218 each configured
to receive a control wire from the HVAC system to be controlled by
the thermostat 100. The wire terminals 218 are electrically coupled
to the circuit board 114 to allow communication to and from the
thermostat 100 and to provide power to the thermostat 100. The end
wall 116 may be attached to the rear face 192 (e.g., by fasteners,
by heat staking, or other appropriate fastening techniques) or may
be formed as an integral component of the case 112.
[0052] The mounting bracket 118 attaches the housing 102 and the
case 112 to a mounting location. Frequently, the mounting location
is a wall though other mounting locations are possible. In some
embodiments, as illustrated, the mounting bracket 118 includes two
frames 120 and 122 configured to be attached to one another and to
the case 112. The first or interior frame 120 includes a base or
sleeve 220 that defines an interior opening or aperture 222 and a
flange 224 extending outward from the sleeve 220. As shown in FIG.
13, the flange 224 is sized to contact an inner surface of the wall
or other mounting location. The second or exterior frame 122
includes a base or sleeve 226 that defines an interior opening or
aperture 228 and a flange 230 extending outward from the sleeve
226. As shown in FIG. 13, the flange 230 is sized to contact an
outer surface of the wall or other mounting location. In use, the
interior frame 120 is positioned within the wall so that that the
flange 224 is in contact with the inner surface of the wall and the
sleeve 220 extends toward the outer surface of the wall. The
exterior frame 122 is attached to the interior frame 120 (e.g., by
snap-fit connections or other appropriate fasteners) with the
flange 230 in contact with the outer surface of the wall and the
sleeve 226 extending toward the inner surface of the wall. As shown
in FIG. 13, this results in the flanges 224 and 230 being spaced
apart by a distance 232 corresponding to the thickness of the wall,
thereby clamping the frames 120 and 122 to the wall and securing
the mounting bracket 118 to the wall.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 13, the case 112 is attached to the housing
102 (e.g., by threaded fasteners or other appropriate fasteners).
After connecting the control wires to the wire terminals 218, the
thermostat body including the housing 102 and the case 112 is then
attached to the mounting bracket 118. The case 112 is inserted
through the apertures 228 and 222 of the exterior frame 122 and the
interior frame 120 so that the case 112 extends into the wall or
other mounting location. The flange 224 of the interior frame 120
is located between the front surface 188 and the rear surface 192
of the case 112. The flange 230 of the exterior frame 122 is
located between the rear wall 136 of the base 124 of the housing
102 and the rear surface 192 of the case 112. The circuit board 114
located within the case 112 also extends into the wall.
[0054] Conventional thermostats are located entirely on the
external side of a wall and all of their circuit boards and
electronics are present on the external side of the wall. This can
require a relatively wide device to accommodate these components.
Locating at least a portion of the circuit board 114 within the
wall enables the thermostat 100 to present a device having a
relatively small width to the user. The relatively narrow
thermostat 100 also can be mounted on surfaces with smaller
available width of mounting location than those required by
conventional thermostats (e.g., a narrow space between two adjacent
doors).
[0055] The case 112 of the thermostat body is then attached to the
mounting bracket 118 (e.g., by threaded fasteners or other
appropriate fasteners). Alternatively, the housing 102 may be
attached to the mounting bracket 118 (e.g., by threaded fasteners
or other appropriate fasteners). In some embodiments, the exterior
frame 122 may be omitted and the interior frame 120 is attached to
the wall or other mounting location (e.g., by threaded fasteners,
adhesive, or other appropriate fasteners).
[0056] As shown in FIG. 8A, an opening or aperture 233 is formed
through the rear wall 136 of the housing 102. As shown in FIG. 3A,
the opening 233 allows the circuit board 114 to extend from the
interior volume 128 of the housing 102 to the interior volume 186
of the case 112. The rear wall 136 also includes four mounting
apertures or openings 235, 237, 239, and 241 for receiving a
fastener, each located near a corner of the rear wall 136. In some
embodiments, the apertures and the fasteners are threaded to
establish a threaded connection between the two. A cutout 243 is
formed in the top of the opening 233 to accommodate a fastener head
and a cutout 245 is formed in the bottom of the opening 233 to
accommodate a fastener head as will be explained further below.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 8B, the exterior frame 122 includes two
mounting bosses 234 and 236 that correspond with the mounting
bosses 204 and 206 of the case 112. The mounting boss 234 is
centrally located at the top of the sleeve 226 and extends downward
into the opening 228 and the mounting boss 236 is located at the
bottom of the sleeve 226 and extends upward into the opening 228.
Each mounting boss 234 and 236 includes an opening or aperture 238
and 240, respectively, to receive a fastener. In some embodiments,
the apertures and the fasteners are threaded to establish a
threaded connection between the two.
[0058] The interior frame 120 also includes two mounting bosses 242
and 244 that correspond with the mounting bosses 234 and 236 of the
exterior frame 122 and the mounting bosses 204 and 206 of the case
112. The mounting boss 242 is centrally located at the top of the
sleeve 220 and extends downward into the opening 222 and the
mounting boss 244 is located at the bottom of the sleeve 220 and
extends upward into the opening 228. Each mounting boss 242 and 244
includes an opening or aperture 246 and 248, respectively, to
receive a fastener. In some embodiments, the apertures and the
fasteners are threaded to establish a threaded connection between
the two.
[0059] The sleeve 226 of the exterior frame 122 includes two
cutouts or openings 250 and 252 that correspond to the mounting
bosses 242 and 244 of the interior frame 120 so that when the
exterior frame 122 and the interior frame 120 are attached to
another, the mounting bosses 242 and 244 of the interior frame 120
are placed in contact with the mounting bosses 234 and 236 of the
exterior frame 122, respectively. The frames 120 and 122 are
attached to one another by snap-fit connections. As shown in FIG.
8B, the frame 122 includes the projections 254 and 256 of the
snap-fit connection extending from the sleeve 226 and the frame 120
includes the openings or receptacles 258 and 260 of the snap-fit
connection formed through the sleeve 220. Each projection engages
an opening to form a snap-fit connection. In other embodiments, the
locations of the projections and the openings are reversed.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, the case 112 is attached to the housing
102 by four fasteners 262 that extend through the apertures 235,
237, 239, and 241 in the rear wall 136 of the housing 102 (FIG. 8A
and FIG. 12) and into the apertures 207, 208, 210, and 212 of the
mounting bosses 196, 198, 200, and 202 of the case 112 (FIG. 8B).
The case 112 is attached to the mounting bracket 118 by two
fasteners 264 that extend through the apertures 214 and 216 of the
mounting bosses 204 and 206 of the case 112, through the apertures
238 and 240 of the mounting bosses 234 and 236 of the exterior
frame 122, and through the apertures 246 and 248 of the mounting
bosses 242 and 244 of the interior frame 120 (FIG. 11). The cutouts
243 and 245 in the rear wall 136 of the housing accommodate the
heads of the fasteners 264 so that the fasteners may be inserted
through the front of the housing 102 but do not contact the rear
wall 136 of the housing 102 and therefore the fasteners 264 are not
secured to the housing 102.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 8B, the case 112 may include a top cutout
or opening 266 and a bottom cutout or opening 268. The top cutout
266 allows the mounting boss 234 of the exterior frame 122 and the
mounting boss 242 of the interior frame 120 to slide through the
case 112 so that the mounting boss 234 can contact the mounting
boss 204 of the case 112. The bottom cutout 268 allows the mounting
boss 236 of the exterior frame 122 and the mounting boss 244 of the
interior frame 120 to slide through the case 112 so that the
mounting boss 236 can contact the mounting boss 206 of the case
112. Covers 270 and 272 may be provided to cover the cutouts 266
and 268, respectively, after the case 112 is slid into the frames
122 and 120. The covers 270 and 272 may be attached to the case 112
and biased to a closed position so as to automatically close behind
the frames 122 and 120. For example, each cover 270 and 272 may be
attached to the case 112 by a hinge along the length of the cover
and biased by a spring to the closed position. Alternatively, the
covers 270 and 272 may include actuator levers accessible through
the opening 190 in the case 112 to allow a user to manually open
and close the covers 270.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 8, the front cover 108 covers the
front end 138 of the base 124 of the housing 102. The front cover
108 may be formed from a variety of materials (e.g., polymers
including acrylics, metals, composite materials, laminates, etc.).
In the illustrated embodiment, the front cover 108 is removably
attached to the housing 102 (e.g., by magnets, by a snap-fit
connection, by screws or other mechanical fasteners). Removably
attaching the front cover 108 allows the end-user to customize the
appearance of the thermostat 100 by allowing him to select amongst
front covers made of different materials or having different color
or finishes. In some embodiments, the front cover 108 is attached
to the housing 102 by a hinge. A sensor lens may be provided in the
front cover.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 8, the top cover 110 is removably attached
to the housing 102. The top cover 110 covers a portion of the top
wall 134 of the base 124 and portions of the two side walls 130 and
132 of the base 124. The top cover 110 includes multiple apertures
or openings 274 that allow increased air flow to the housing 102,
which may aid in cooling the electronic components located within
the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 274
are a series of relatively small circular perforations. In other
embodiments, the apertures 274 may be larger, different shapes,
and/or formed as slots or louvers. The top cover 110 may be formed
from a variety of materials (e.g., polymers including acrylics,
metals, composite materials, laminates, etc.). In the illustrated
embodiment, the top cover 110 is removably attached to the housing
102 (e.g., by magnets, by a snap-fit connection, by screws or other
mechanical fasteners). Removably attaching the top cover 110 allows
the end-user to customize the appearance of the thermostat 100 by
allowing him to select amongst top covers made of different
materials or having different color or finishes. In some
embodiments, the top cover 110 is attached to the housing 102 by a
hinge. In some embodiments, the top cover 110 is omitted from the
thermostat 100.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, the thermostat 100 is attached to a
wall. The display assembly (e.g., the touch-sensitive display 104,
the protective cover 106, and the display mount 126) are not
opaque, which allows a user or observer to see the wall through the
display assembly. When no visual media is being displayed on the
touch-sensitive display 104, the display assembly may blend in to
its surroundings, reducing its visual impact on the wall and the
space surrounding the wall. For example, an observer sees the color
of a painted wall through the display assembly with only the opaque
components of the thermostat 100 (e.g., the front cover 108 and the
top cover 110) obscuring or covering the observer's view of the
wall. This has less of a visual impact in terms of opaque
components covering the wall, than a conventional thermostat where
the entirety of the thermostat is opaque. The visual impact can
further be reduced by matching the color of the front cover 108 and
the top cover 110 to the color of the wall.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 13, the display assembly is spaced apart
from the wall with the back surface 162 of the display mount 126
spaced apart from the wall by a horizontal distance or gap 276. In
conventional thermostats there is no gap between the display
assembly and the wall like the gap 276 which is filled with the
ambient atmosphere found near the thermostat 100.
[0066] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a multi-function user control device
or thermostat 300, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
thermostat 300 is substantially similar to the thermostat 300.
Components similar to those of the thermostat 100 are numbered in
the 300 and 400s instead of the 100 and 200s.
[0067] The thermostat 300 omits the mounting bracket 118 and
instead uses a different mounting arrangement to attach the
thermostat 300 to a wall or other mounting location. The case 312
is attached to the housing 302. As shown in FIG. 15, fasteners 462
attach the case 312 to the rear wall 336 of the base 324 of the
housing. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, one or more mounting tabs or
flags 401 are pivotably coupled to the case 312. The tabs 401 are
pivotable between a closed or retracted position as shown in FIG.
14 and an open or extended position as shown in FIG. 16. In the
retracted position, each tab 401 is positioned within a
corresponding aperture or opening 403 in the case 312 so that the
tabs 401 are substantially flush with the outer surface of the case
312. This enables the case 312 to be inserted into an aperture or
opening in the wall to which the thermostat 300 is to be attached.
In the extended or opened position, the tabs 401 are pivoted so
that they extend outward from the case 312. As illustrated in FIG.
16, each tab 401 is substantially perpendicular to the adjacent
outer surface of the case 312. The extended tabs 401 contact an
inner surface of the wall and the rear wall 336 of the housing 302
contacts an outer surface of the wall to attach the thermostat 300
to the wall. Like in the thermostat 100, at least a portion of the
case 312 and the circuit board 314 positioned within the case are
located within the wall.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 15, each tab 401 is pivotably coupled to
the case 312 by an axle 405 that is accessible to a user through
the housing 302 with the front cover 308 removed. Each axle 405
includes a head that the user can manipulate to pivot the attached
tab 401 between the retracted and extended positions. As
illustrated the axles have a Phillips head, though other types of
heads may be used in other embodiments. The axles 405 and the
fasteners 462 used to attach the case 312 to the housing 302 may be
the same component or separate axles and fasteners 462 may be
provided.
[0069] The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods
as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative
only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail
in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g.,
variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For
example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise
varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions
may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied
or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in
the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary
embodiments without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. References herein to the positions of elements (e.g.,
"top," "bottom," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," etc.) are
used to describe the orientation of various elements relative to
one another with the user control device in its normal operating
position as illustrated in the drawings.
[0070] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and
program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing
various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may
be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special
purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated
for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments
within the scope of the present disclosure include program products
comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having
machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other
machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable
media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical
disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store
desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions
or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose
or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0071] Although the figures show a specific order of method steps,
the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two
or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial
concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and
hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations
are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software
implementations could be accomplished with standard programming
techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the
various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and
decision steps.
* * * * *