U.S. patent application number 15/146749 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for user control device with housing containing angled circuit boards.
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 Michael J. Ajax, Joseph R. Ribbich, Nicholas S. Van Derven.
Application Number | 20160327301 15/146749 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55969496 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160327301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ribbich; Joseph R. ; et
al. |
November 10, 2016 |
USER CONTROL DEVICE WITH HOUSING CONTAINING ANGLED CIRCUIT
BOARDS
Abstract
A thermostat includes a housing with an interior volume, a
display attached to the housing, a first circuit board positioned
within the interior volume, a second circuit board positioned
within the interior volume, wherein the first circuit board is
positioned perpendicular to the second circuit board, processing
electronics mounted to at least one of the first circuit board and
the second circuit board, the processing electronics configured to
operate the display, and a battery positioned within the interior
volume and configured to provide power to the display and the
processing electronics.
Inventors: |
Ribbich; Joseph R.;
(Waukesha, WI) ; Ajax; Michael J.; (Milwaukee,
WI) ; Van Derven; Nicholas S.; (Wauwatosa,
WI) |
|
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.: |
15/146749 |
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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|
62260141 |
Nov 25, 2015 |
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62274750 |
Jan 4, 2016 |
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62275202 |
Jan 5, 2016 |
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62275199 |
Jan 5, 2016 |
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62275204 |
Jan 5, 2016 |
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62275711 |
Jan 6, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
G05D 23/1902 20130101; F24F 11/63 20180101; H05B 47/12 20200101;
F24F 11/62 20180101; F24F 2140/00 20180101; H05B 47/105 20200101;
G06F 3/0412 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101; G05B 15/02 20130101;
H05B 47/11 20200101; F24F 11/50 20180101; F24F 11/52 20180101; F24F
2110/10 20180101; F24F 11/70 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A thermostat comprising: a housing with an interior volume; a
display attached to the housing; a first circuit board positioned
within the interior volume; a second circuit board positioned
within the interior volume, wherein the first circuit board is
positioned perpendicular to the second circuit board; processing
electronics mounted to at least one of the first circuit board and
the second circuit board, the processing electronics configured to
operate the display; and a battery positioned within the interior
volume and configured to provide power to the display and the
processing electronics.
2. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the processing electronics
are mounted on a top surface of the first circuit board.
3. The thermostat of claim 2, further comprising: a temperature
sensor mounted on a vertical surface of the second circuit board;
wherein the processing electronics are mounted on a horizontal
surface of the first circuit board.
4. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising a battery
receptacle for securing the battery, wherein the battery receptacle
is positioned within an angle formed by the first circuit board and
the second circuit board.
5. The thermostat of claim 4, wherein the battery receptacle
comprises two tangs that secure the battery therebetween.
6. The thermostat of claim 5, wherein the tangs are configured to
convey electrical power between the two circuit boards and the
battery.
7. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising a removable tab
located between the battery and a portion of the battery
receptacle, wherein the tab is non-conductive and prevents the
battery from providing power to the display and the processing
electronics.
8. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein housing includes a top
surface having a plurality of apertures that are configured to
convey heat generated by the first circuit board to atmosphere.
9. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the
housing is comprised of a material that is configured to dissipate
heat generated by the first circuit board to an atmosphere.
10. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the first circuit board is
mounted to a top surface of the housing, and wherein the second
circuit board is mounted to a rear surface of the housing.
11. A thermostat comprising: a housing with an interior volume; a
display attached to the housing; a first circuit board positioned
within the interior volume; a second circuit board positioned
within the interior volume, wherein the first circuit board is
positioned at an angle to the second circuit board; processing
electronics mounted to at least one of the first circuit board and
the second circuit board, the processing electronics configured to
operate the display; and a battery within the interior volume
configured to provide power to the display and the processing
electronics.
12. The thermostat of claim 11, wherein the angle is ninety
degrees.
13. The thermostat of claim 11, further comprising a battery
receptacle for securing the battery, wherein the battery receptacle
is positioned within the angle formed by the first circuit board
and the second circuit board.
14. The thermostat of claim 13, wherein the battery receptacle
comprises two tangs that secure the battery therebetween.
15. The thermostat of claim 11, further comprising a removable tab
located between the battery and a portion of the battery
receptacle, wherein the tab is non-conductive and prevents the
battery from providing power to the display and the processing
electronics.
16. A thermostat comprising: a housing with an interior volume; a
display attached to the housing; a first circuit board positioned
within the interior volume; a second circuit board positioned
within the interior volume, wherein the first circuit board is
positioned perpendicular to the second circuit board; a temperature
sensor mounted on the second circuit board; and processing
electronics mounted on a top surface of the first circuit board,
the processing electronics configured to operate the display and
receive an input from the temperature sensor.
17. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein the top surface of the
first circuit board is arranged horizontally.
18. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein the temperature sensor is
mounted on a vertical surface of the second circuit board.
19. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein a bottom surface of the
first circuit board is positioned between the processing
electronics and the temperature sensor.
20. The thermostat of claim 16, further comprising a battery and a
battery receptacle for securing the battery, wherein the battery
receptacle is positioned within an angle formed by the first
circuit board and the second circuit board.
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. 62/260,141 filed Nov. 25, 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] An illustrative thermostat includes a housing with an
interior volume defined at least in part by a top surface and a
rear surface. The thermostat also includes a display attached to
the housing and a first circuit board within the interior volume.
The first circuit board is parallel to the top surface. The
thermostat also includes a second circuit board within the interior
volume. The second circuit board is parallel to the rear surface.
The thermostat further includes processing electronics mounted to
the first circuit board, a temperature sensor mounted to the second
circuit board, and a battery within the interior volume configured
to provide power to the display, the processing electronics, and
the temperature sensor.
[0006] In some embodiments of the thermostat, the first circuit
board is configured to cause the display to display first
information. In some embodiments, the display is touch-sensitive,
and wherein the first circuit board is configured to receive second
information from the display. In some embodiments, the second
circuit board is configured to communicate with an external device.
In an illustrative embodiment, the external device comprises a
heater of a building. In an illustrative embodiment, the second
circuit board is configured to communicate with the external device
via terminals located on the rear surface of the housing. In an
illustrative embodiment, the first circuit board and the second
circuit board are in communication with one another, and the first
circuit board is configured to control the external device via the
second circuit board. In an illustrative embodiment, the second
circuit board is configured to communicate information received
from the external device to the first circuit board.
[0007] In some embodiments of the thermostat, the top surface and
the rear surface are perpendicular to one another. In some
embodiments, the thermostat also includes tangs that secure the
battery to the first circuit board. In an illustrative embodiment,
the tangs are configured to convey electrical power between the
first circuit board and the battery. In an illustrative embodiment,
the thermostat includes a removable tab located between the battery
and one of the tangs, wherein the tab is non-conductive. In some
embodiments, the battery is one of a AA battery or a AAA battery.
In an alternative embodiment, the battery is a button cell
battery.
[0008] In some embodiments of the thermostat, the top surface of
the housing comprises a plurality of apertures that are configured
to convey heat generated by the first circuit board to an
atmosphere. In some embodiments, the top surface of the housing is
comprised of a material that is configured to dissipate heat
generated by the first circuit board to an atmosphere. In an
embodiment, the material is a metal. In some embodiments, the first
circuit board is mounted to the top surface of the housing, and the
second circuit board is mounted to the rear surface of the housing.
In some embodiments, the rear surface of the housing is parallel to
a wall. In an embodiment, the rear surface of the housing is
mounted to the wall.
[0009] One embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat
including a housing with an interior volume, a display attached to
the housing, a first circuit board positioned within the interior
volume, a second circuit board positioned within the interior
volume, wherein the first circuit board is positioned perpendicular
to the second circuit board, processing electronics mounted to at
least one of the first circuit board and the second circuit board,
the processing electronics configured to operate the display, and a
battery positioned within the interior volume and configured to
provide power to the display and the processing electronics.
[0010] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat
including a housing with an interior volume, a display attached to
the housing, a first circuit board positioned within the interior
volume, a second circuit board positioned within the interior
volume, wherein the first circuit board is positioned at an angle
to the second circuit board, processing electronics mounted to at
least one of the first circuit board and the second circuit board,
the processing electronics configured to operate the display, and a
battery within the interior volume configured to provide power to
the display and the processing electronics.
[0011] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a thermostat
including a housing with an interior volume, a display attached to
the housing, a first circuit board positioned within the interior
volume, a second circuit board positioned within the interior
volume, wherein the first circuit board is positioned perpendicular
to the second circuit board, a temperature sensor mounted on the
second circuit board, and processing electronics mounted on a top
surface of the first circuit board, the processing electronics
configured to operate the display and receive an input from the
temperature sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view from above of a
thermostat according to an exemplary embodiment, with visual media
displayed.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view from above of the
thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view from above of the
thermostat of FIG. 1 without visual media displayed.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view from below of the
thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view from below of the
thermostat of FIG. 1 with a mounting plate not shown.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of the thermostat of FIG. 1 with a
sensor lens not shown.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a section view of the thermostat of FIG. 1 taken
along line 8-8 in FIG. 6 with perpendicularly arranged circuit
boards.
[0020] FIG. 8A is front view of the circuit boards of the
thermostat of FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 8B is a front view of the circuit boards of a
thermostat, according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 8C is a side view of the circuit boards of FIG. 8B.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top view of the thermostat of FIG. 1 with a top
cover not shown.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the thermostat of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the thermostat of FIG. 1
with a thermostat body shown separate from a mounting plate
attached to a wall.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the thermostat of FIG. 1
attached to a wall.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a front view of the thermostat of FIG. 1 attached
to a wall.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a side view of the thermostat of FIG. 1 attached
to a wall.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a side view of a thermostat according to an
exemplary embodiment, with the thermostat attached to the wall.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view from above of the
thermostat of FIG. 19.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a side view of a thermostat according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a rear view of a housing of the thermostat of
FIG. 21.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a side view of a thermostat according to an
exemplary embodiment, with the thermostat attached to the wall.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view from above of the
thermostat of FIG. 23.
[0039] FIG. 25 is a side view of a thermostat according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view from above a thermostat
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 27 is a front view of the thermostat of FIG. 26.
[0042] FIG. 28 is a side view of the thermostat of FIG. 26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] 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).
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] FIGS. 1-18 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.).
[0050] As shown in FIG. 14, 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 back plate or
mounting plate 110, one or more circuit boards, shown as circuit
board 112 and circuit board 114, a sensor lens or window 116, and a
molding or top cover 118 that covers a portion of the housing 102.
The assembled components of the thermostat 100 other than the
mounting plate 110 and any fastener or other components used to
fasten the mounting plate to the mounting location are referred to
as the "thermostat body."
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the housing 102 includes a base
or main portion 120 and a cantilevered plate or display mount 122
extending from the front of the base 120. The base 120 defines a
pocket or volume 124 that the circuit boards 112 and 114 are
located within. The volume 124 is defined by a front wall 126, two
side walls 128 and 130, a top wall 132, and a bottom wall 134, and
is closed by the mounting plate 110 when the thermostat body is
attached to the mounting plate 110. The front wall 126 connects the
top wall 132 to the bottom wall 134. The two side walls 128 and 130
connect the top wall 132 to the bottom wall 134. The bottom wall
134 angles downward from the vertical front wall 126 at an angel 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 bottom wall or a portion of the bottom wall is
curved. In other embodiments, the base 120 of the housing 102 is
substantially square or rectangular in cross-section. In other
embodiments, the front wall is omitted and an angled or curved
bottom wall connects directly to the top wall (e.g., resulting in a
housing that is triangular in cross-section). In some embodiments,
the front wall is omitted and the volume 124 is open to the front
of the base 120, thereby allowing front facing access to the
interior of the base 120.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the top wall 132 of the base 120 has two
sections 136 and 138 with section 138 recessed from section 136
(e.g., thinner, having a smaller vertical dimension, having a
smaller height, etc.). The section 138 receives a portion of the
top cover 118 so that the top surface of the top cover 118 is flush
with the top surface of the section 136 of the top wall 132 as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, a portion of the front wall 126
extends past the top wall 132 to form a display mount 122 (back
plate, mounting plate). The display mount 122 is cantilevered from
the base 120. The display mount 122 provides a mounting surface 142
for attaching the display 104 to the housing 102. The display mount
122 has a height 144 (measured from the top surface of the top wall
132, which is the top surface of the section 136 in the illustrated
embodiment, to a top or free end 145, a width 146 measured from a
first or left side 148 to a second or right side 150, and a
thickness 148 measured from the front or mounting surface 142 to a
rear or back surface 152. The mounting surface 142 is spaced apart
or recessed from the front surface of the portion of the front wall
126 that forms the base 120 by a thickness 149 to form a ledge 151
to support the bottom edges of the touch-sensitive display 104 and
the protective cover 106. The thickness 149 is the same as the
thickness of the touch-sensitive display 104 to that the ledge 151
supports the bottom of the display 104.
[0054] As illustrated, the display mount 122 extends upwardly in a
cantilevered fashion from the base 120 so that the display mount
122 is located above the base in the normal operating position of
the thermostat. 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.
[0055] The display mount 122 may be configured as a landscape
display with the width 146 greater than the height 144 (as shown in
FIGS. 1-18), as a portrait display with the width 146 less than the
height 144 (as shown in FIGS. 26-28), or as a square display with
the width 146 equal to the height 144. The top surface of the top
wall 132 and the top side 145 of the display mount 122 are parallel
to one another. The left side 148 and the right side 150 are
parallel to one another. The mounting surface 142 and the back
surface 152 are parallel to one another. The top side 145 is
perpendicular to the left side 148 and the right side 150. In some
embodiments, the display mount 122 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.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 13, a rear or back face 154 of
the base 120 of the housing 102 is defined by the ends of the top
wall 132, the side walls 128 and 130, and the bottom wall 134
located opposite the front wall 126. The rear face 154 is arranged
vertically and is planar to facilitate mounting the thermostat body
to a vertical wall. As shown in FIG. 8, the back surface 152 of the
display mount 122 is spaced apart from the rear face 154 of the
base 120 by a horizontal distance 156. As illustrated, the
horizontal distance 156 is constant over the height 144 of the
display mount so that the back surface 152 of the display mount 122
is parallel to the rear face 154 of the base 120. The mounting
surface 142 of the display mount 122 is perpendicular to the top
surface of the top wall 132. The back surface 152 of the display
mount 122 is perpendicular to the top surface of the top wall 132.
In other embodiments the horizontal distance 156 may decrease from
the top wall 132 of the base to the top side 145 of the display
mount 122 so that the display mount 122 angles toward the wall. In
other embodiments the horizontal distance 156 may increase from the
top wall 132 of the base to the top side 145 of the display mount
122 so that the display mount 122 angles away from the wall. As
illustrated, the display mount 122 is a portion of the front wall
126 (i.e., the portion extending upward from the top surface of the
top wall 132) to the freestanding top end 145. In other
embodiments, the display mount 122 is a separate structure from the
front wall 126. As illustrated, the display mount 122 is positioned
at the front of the base 120 so that the mounting surface 142 and
the front surface of the front wall 126 are coplanar. In other
embodiments, the display mount 122 is positioned between the front
of the base 120 and the rear face 154 of the base 120, but is
spaced apart from the rear face 154 by the horizontal distance 156
(i.e., the back surface 152 of the display mount 122 is not
coplanar with the rear face 154 of the base 120).
[0057] As shown in FIG. 8, the touch-sensitive display 104 is
attached to the mounting surface 142 of the display mount 122
(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.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment,
the housing 102 is a single integrally formed component that
includes both the base 120 and the display mount 122. 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 122 and the base 120 when a user pushes on the
touch-sensitive display screen 104. The relatively large thickness
148 of the display mount 122 also helps withstand this torque.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, 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.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 14, the touch-sensitive display 104, the
protective cover 106, and the display mount 122 (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 122. 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 122 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.)
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the housing 102 may 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.).
[0062] 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 the sensor lens 116. The lens 116
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 116.
[0063] 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).
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the circuit boards 112 and
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. FIG. 8 illustrates a thermostat
100 with perpendicularly arranged circuit boards according to an
illustrative embodiment. The thermostat 100 includes a circuit
board 112 and a circuit board 114. Attached to the circuit board
112 is a battery tang 181 and a battery 166. In alternative
embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be
used.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the circuit boards 112 and 114 are
arranged in a perpendicular manner. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
8, the circuit board 112 is in a horizontal position with respect
to the ground, and the circuit board 114 is in a vertical position
with respect to the ground when the thermostat 100 is in its normal
operating position. The circuit boards 112 and 114 are positioned
within the interior volume 124 of the housing 102. In an
illustrative embodiment, the circuit board 112 is mounted to an
inside surface of the top of the housing 102 and the circuit board
114 is mounted to an inside surface of the rear of the housing 102.
In other embodiments, the circuit boards 112 and 114 are attached
to other appropriate locations within the housing (e.g., to the
side walls).
[0066] In an illustrative embodiment, the battery 166 is located
within the housing 102. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A
includes a pair of battery tangs or mounting tabs 181 that extend
outward from the circuit board 112. The two battery tangs 181 on
located on opposite ends of the battery 166 to secure the battery
within the interior volume 124 of the housing 102. In some
embodiments the battery tangs 181 are biased toward one another
(e.g., as a natural property of the material forming the battery
tangs, by a separate spring, etc.) so that the battery 166 is
securely held between the two tangs 181. For example, the battery
166 can be a cylindrical battery such as a standard size AA or AAA
battery. In alternative embodiments, any suitable size or shape of
battery 166 can be used, such as button-cell batteries. Each of the
two battery tangs 181 can be configured to touch and make
electrical connection with a respective terminal of the battery
166. The two battery tangs 181 support and secure the battery 166
within the housing 102. For example, the battery tangs 181 can be
made of a conductive material such as brass, steel, copper, etc.
Alternatively, appropriate battery sockets, receivers, etc. may be
used in place of the pair of battery tangs 181. The battery 166 is
positioned within the 90 degree angle formed by the perpendicularly
arranged circuit boards 112 and 114. This arrangement of
perpendicular circuit boards 112 and 114 with the battery located
within the angle formed by the circuit boards 112 and 114 maximizes
the use of the interior volume 124 within the housing 102. The
thermostat 100 requires a relatively large amount of electronic
components. By maximizing the use of the space available in the
interior volume 124 to accommodate these electronic components, the
exterior volume of the housing 102 is able to be minimized,
enabling the thermostat 100 to be relatively small. A relatively
small thermostat 100 provides the user with a wide variety of
locations that the thermostat 100 can be mounted to (e.g., between
two adjacent doors). Alternatively, the circuit boards 112 and 114
may be arranged an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to one
another as long as the smaller angle allows the battery 166 to be
positioned within the angle formed by the two circuit boards.
[0067] The battery tangs 181 are used to convey electrical power
from the battery 166 to the other power-consuming components of the
thermostat 100 such as the touch-sensitive screen display 104, the
circuit boards 112 and 114, sensors, lights, etc. In an
illustrative embodiment, the thermostat 100 includes a connection
to an external power source such as from an electrical grid. In
such an embodiment, the battery 166 can be used to supply power to
the thermostat 100 when the external power source fails or does not
provide power to the thermostat 100 (e.g., during installation of
the thermostat 100). In an illustrative embodiment, the battery 166
can be recharged using the external power source when the external
power source provides power to the thermostat 100.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, in alternative embodiments, the
battery tangs 181 can be attached to the vertically-arranged
printed circuit board 114 rather than to the horizontally-arranged
printed circuit board 112 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A. The battery
166 can provide power to both printed circuit boards 112 and 114.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an electrical connection
is made (e.g., via wires) between the printed circuit boards 112
and 114 such that electrical power is provided to the both circuit
boards 112 and 114 from the battery 166.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the circuit board 112 can be configured
to be parallel to the top surface of the top cover 118. The top
cover 118 can include several apertures 174. In an illustrative
embodiment, the apertures 174 extend through the housing 102. Heat
produced by operating the circuit board 112 can be dissipated to
the atmosphere through the apertures 174. For example, the circuit
board 112 can be a processing or power board and the circuit board
114 can be an input/output (I/O) board. In an illustrative
embodiment, the circuit board 112 can be a processing board that
communicates with the display 104, sensors of the thermostat 100,
etc. The circuit board 114 can be an I/O board that is configured
to facilitate communications between the circuit board 114 and
external equipment or devices such as an HVAC system, external
dampers, external sensors, etc.
[0070] In such an example, the circuit board 112 creates a majority
or most of the heat within the housing 102. The heat can dissipate
upwards through the apertures 174. The top cover 118 can be made of
a material that helps to dissipate the heat created by the circuit
boards 112 and 114, such as aluminum. In an illustrative
embodiment, the heat dissipation through the apertures 174 is
passive. In alternative embodiments, the heat dissipation can be
active. For example, the thermostat 100 can include one or more
fans to circulate air (or any other fluid) across the circuit
boards 112 and 114 to more effectively transfer heat from the
circuit boards 112 and 114 to the atmosphere.
[0071] In an illustrative embodiment, the top cover 118 is made of
a thermally conductive material to more effectively dissipate heat
from the circuit boards 112 and 114 to the atmosphere. In an
illustrative embodiment, the circuit board 112 is thermally
connected to the top cover 118. For example, one or more heat sinks
can be used to transfer heat from the circuit board 112 (or
specific components on the circuit board 112 such as a processing
chip) through the top cover 118 and to the atmosphere. In some
embodiments, the top cover 118 can be thermally connected to the
top cover 118 to dissipate heat through the top cover 118.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, the circuit board 112 includes
processing electronics 164. The processing electronics can create
heat, which can be dissipated through the top cover 118. The
circuit board 114 includes a temperature sensor 162. The
temperature sensor 162 can be used, for example, to determine the
ambient temperature of the room that the thermostat 100 is
installed in. For example, air can flow into and out of the inside
volume of the housing 102 and the temperature sensor 162 can
determine the temperature of the air. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8, heat generated by the processing electronics 164 can be
dissipated away from the temperature sensor 162. In such an
embodiment, the heat generated by the processing electronics 164
does not affect the temperature sensor 162 or does not cause the
temperature sensor 162 to measure a temperature that is more than
the ambient temperature of the room. In some instances, the
processing electronics 164 are located on the top of the circuit
board 112 such that the circuit board 112 is between the processing
electronics 164 and the temperature sensor 162. Thus, the body of
the circuit board 112 itself is a thermal barrier between the heat
generated by the processing electronics 164 and the temperature
sensor 162 with the bottom surface of the circuit board 112
positioned between the processing electronics 164 and the
temperature sensor 162. This helps to limit the influence of heat
generated by the thermostat 100 itself on the temperature readings
of the temperature sensor 162 and thereby allows the temperature
sensor 162 to better detect the true temperature of the space the
thermostat 100 is located in.
[0073] In an embodiment in which the circuit board 114 includes I/O
circuitry, the circuit board 114 can be connected to the terminals
168. In such an embodiment, the circuit board 114 can communicate
with external devices via the terminals 168. For example, the
circuit board 114 can operate relays, detect discrete or digital
signals, input or output analog signals, etc. As shown in FIG. 5,
the terminals 168 can be arranged along a vertical plane, and the
circuit board 114 can be parallel to the vertical plane.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 8B, the thermostat 100 can include a
removable tab 183 that interrupts or blocks electrical power
transfer between the circuit boards 112 and 114 and the battery
166. The removable tab 183 is removably placed between the battery
166 and one of the battery tangs 181 and is non-conductive such
that while the removable tab 183 is between the battery 166 and the
battery tang 181, the battery 166 is not electrically connected to
the circuit board 112 or the circuit board 114 (or any other
electrical device of the thermostat 100). The removable tab 183 can
extend from the battery tang 181 to outside of the housing 102. In
an illustrative embodiment, the removable tab 183 is graspable by a
user without having to open the housing 102. For example, an end of
the removable tab 183 extends between the seam between the housing
102 and the front cover 108 or through an opening formed in one of
the housing 102 and the front cover 108. Alternatively, the user
can remove the front cover 108 to access the removable tab 183.
Once the thermostat 100 is ready to be installed, a customer or
user can remove the tab 183 by pulling the tab 183, thereby
removing the tab 183 from between the battery tang 181 and the
battery 166, without dislodging the battery 166 from between the
tangs 181 and freeing the battery 166 to provide power to the
thermostat 100. Once powered on, the thermostat 100 can, for
example, provide installation instructions to the user. For
example, the instructions can instruct the user on how to wire the
thermostat 100 (e.g., to provide external power to the thermostat
100).
[0075] In some embodiments, the circuit board 112 functions at
least in part as a sensor board and has one or more sensors,
including a proximity sensor 158, a motion or occupancy sensor 160,
and a temperature sensor 162. In some embodiments, the circuit
board 114 functions at least in part as control board and includes
processing electronics 164, a power supply or battery 166, and
input terminals 168 for receiving wiring from the HVAC system to be
controlled by the thermostat. The processing electronics 164 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 166 is
rechargeable. In some embodiments, the power supply 166 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 found on a single circuit board, are variously
distributed among the two circuit boards 112 and 114, or are
variously distributed among more than two circuit boards.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 14, the front cover 108
covers the portion of the front wall 126 located below the display
mount 122, the bottom wall 134, and portions of the two side walls
128 and 130 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.). The front cover 108
includes a front wall 170 and a bottom wall 172 that correspond to
or match the front wall 126 and the bottom wall 134 of the housing
102. 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. In some embodiments,
the front cover 108 is omitted and the aperture for the sensor lens
is formed in the housing. As shown in FIG. 8, the front cover 108
and the protective cover 106 combine to form a continuous or flush
front surface of the thermostat 100.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the sensor lens 116 is positioned
within an aperture or opening 171 formed through the bottom wall
134 of the front cover 108 and through the bottom wall 134 of the
base 120 of the housing 102. As illustrated, the aperture 171 is
three-sided with the open side located at the rear face 154 of the
housing 102. This positions the lens 116 and the aperture 171 near
the lower end of the front cover 108 and near the lower end of the
housing 102. In some embodiments, the lens 116 and the aperture 171
are positioned near the upper end of the front cover 108 and near
the upper end of the housing 102 (e.g., near the display assembly).
The lens 116 may be secured in the aperture 171 by a friction or
snap fit, adhesive, or other appropriate fastening technique. In
some embodiments, the thermostat 100 includes multiple sensor
lenses located in corresponding apertures in the front cover 108 or
in corresponding apertures in the housing 102 or the top cover
118.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 14, the top cover 118 is removably attached
to the housing 102. The top cover 118 include a top wall 119 and
two side walls 121 and 123 that are cantilevered downward form the
top wall 119. The top wall 119 of the top cover 118 covers a
portion of the top wall 132 of the base 120 and the two sidewalls
121 and 123 of the top cover 118 cover portions of the two side
walls 128 and 130 of the base 120. The top cover 118 includes
multiple apertures or openings 174 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 174 are a series of relatively small circular
perforations. In other embodiments, the apertures 174 may be
larger, different shapes, and/or formed as slots or louvers. The
top cover 118 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 118
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 118 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 118
is attached to the housing 102 by a hinge. In some embodiments, the
top cover 118 is omitted from the thermostat 100.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 14, the mounting plate 110
includes a main portion or base 176 and four attachment tabs 178
that extend perpendicularly away from the base 176. As shown in
FIG. 4, the mounting plate 110 includes a rear surface 177 that is
configured to placed flush against the wall 200 or other surface
that thermostat 100 is to be mounted to. The base 176 includes an
aperture or opening 180 that is and configured to allow control
wiring from the HVAC system to be controlled by the thermostat 100
to pass through the mounting plate 110 and to be connected to the
input terminals 168 located within the housing 102. As illustrated,
the aperture 180 is centrally located in the base 176. Two fastener
apertures or openings 182 and 184 are formed through the base 176
and are spaced apart from one another. Each aperture 182 and 184
allows a screw 186 or other mechanical fastener to pass through the
base 176 to attach the mounting plate 110 to a wall or other
mounting location. As illustrated, the aperture 182 is circular and
the aperture 184 is an elongated slot. The elongated slot allows
the user to pivot the mounting plate 110 relative to the mounting
holes in the wall to level the mounting plate 110 horizontally
before tightening the fasteners to fix the mounting plate 110 in
place on the wall. In some embodiments the apertures 182 and 184
are spaced apart by a standard thermostat mounting distance so that
the thermostat 100 can be used to replace an existing thermostat
without having to drill new mounting holes into the wall that the
thermostat 100 is being attached to.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 14, the attachment tabs 178 are
arranged to extend into the volume 124 within the base 120 of the
housing 102. Each tab 178 includes an aperture or opening 188 for
receiving a screw or other fastener to attach the housing 102 to
the mounting plate 110. As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 102
includes corresponding apertures or openings 190 formed in the top
wall 132 and the bottom wall 134 to allow the fastener to extend
through the housing 102 to the attachment tab. One or both of each
pair of apertures 188 and 190 may be threaded for use with a
threaded fastener. The apertures 190 in the top wall 132 are
covered by the top cover 118 and the apertures 190 in the bottom
wall 134 are covered by the front cover 108. In some embodiments,
the attachment tabs 178 are replaced by snap-fit connections,
spring-biased arms, or other attachment structures suitable for
attaching the housing 102 to the mounting plate 110. As shown in
FIG. 8, when the housing 102 is attached to the mounting plate 110,
the mounting plate 110 is positioned within the volume 124 formed
in the interior of the housing 102 with the rear surface 177 of the
mounting plate 176 flush with the rear face 154 of the base 120 of
the housing 102. This covers the mounting plate 110 from view by an
observer or user of the thermostat 100.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the thermostat 100 is attached to a
wall 200. The display assembly (e.g., the touch-sensitive display
104, the protective cover 106, and the display mount 122) are not
opaque, which allows a user or observer to see the wall 200 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 200 and
the space surrounding the wall 200. For example, an observer sees
the color of a painted wall 200 through the display assembly with
only the opaque components of the thermostat 100 (e.g., the front
cover 108 and the top cover 118) obscuring or covering the
observer's view of the wall 200. 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 118 to the color of
the wall.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the display assembly is spaced
apart from the wall 200 with the back surface 152 of the display
mount 122 spaced apart from the wall 200 by the horizontal distance
156, leaving a gap 202 between the display mount 122 and the wall
200. In conventional thermostats there is no gap between the
display assembly and the wall like the gap 202 which is filled with
the ambient atmosphere found near the thermostat 100. Conventional
thermostats are flush mounted with the wall so that the total
perimeter or substantially the total perimeter of the thermostat is
in contact with the wall or a mounting plate having a total
perimeter the same or larger than the total perimeter of the
thermostat is in contact with the wall. In contrast as shown in
FIG. 13 for the thermostat 100, the perimeter 204 of the rear face
154 of the base 120 of the housing 102 that is in contact with the
wall 200 is much less than total perimeter 206 of the housing 102
(i.e., the combined perimeter of the back surface 152 of the
display mount 122 and the perimeter 204 of the rear face 154 of the
base 120). The gap 202 and the reduced perimeter 204 contacting the
wall 200 each help the temperature sensor 162 of the thermostat
read conditions as close to the ambient conditions of the room as
possible by separating the temperature sensor from wall 200, which
can frequently be at a lower temperature than ambient conditions in
the room. The gap 202 and the reduced perimeter 204 contacting the
wall 200 also help to improve airflow around the touch-screen
display 104, thereby dissipating heat that would be transferred to
the housing and other components of a conventional thermostat.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 19-20, an alternative exemplary
embodiment of the thermostat 100 is illustrated. Standoffs or
projections 208 extend outward from the back surface 152 of the
display mount and are configured to contact the wall 200 that the
thermostat 100 is mounted to. The standoffs 208 may be part of a
single integrally formed housing 102 or may be separate components
attached to the display mount (e.g., by adhesive, mechanical
fasteners, heat staking or other appropriate attachment technique).
The standoffs 208 help to withstand the torque applied about the
connecting point between the display mount 122 and the base 120
when a user pushes on the touch-sensitive display screen 104. In
the illustrated embodiments, three standoffs 208 are provided. In
other embodiments, more or fewer standoffs are provided.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 21-24, the thermostat 100 may include one
or more light sources 210 (e.g., light emitting diodes) configured
to provide ambient lighting and/or other lighting effects
associated with the thermostat 100. FIGS. 21-22 illustrate an
exemplary embodiment of the thermostat 100 with a display mount 122
that includes a waveguide 212 to direct light from the light
sources 210 within the display mount 122. As illustrated, the
waveguide 212 forms a frame around three sides of the display mount
122 (the top, left, and right sides). The waveguide 212 may include
one or more optical fibers located within or attached to the
display mount 122. FIGS. 23-24 illustrate an exemplary embodiment
of the thermostat 100 with multiple light sources 210 provided in
the section 136 of the top wall 132 of the base 120 of the housing
102. In some embodiments, the light sources 210, with the waveguide
212 or without the wave guide (FIG. 23), are configured to emit
light toward the wall or other surface that the thermostat 100 is
mounted to. When white light is directed toward the wall, the
display assembly (e.g., the touch-sensitive display 104, the
protective cover 106, and the display mount 122) appears to be more
transparent to the user, further helping the display assembly blend
in to its background. The light sources 210 may also be controlled
to provide notices or alerts to a user (e.g., yellow for alerts or
warnings, red for emergencies, etc.). Steady or flashing light may
also provide different notices or alerts to a user (e.g., flashing
light indicating an alert that has not been acknowledged by the
user and solid light to indicate an alert that has been
acknowledged by the user. The light sources 210 may be controllable
by the user (e.g., the color, brightness, or other characteristics
of light) to provide user-desired mood or ambient lighting.
[0085] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the
thermostat 100 having the ability to receive a variety of
interchangeable modules or components. The housing 102 includes an
aperture or opening 214 for receiving a module 216, which
electrically connects to one of the circuit boards 112 and 114 or
other electronic component to provide additional functionality to
the thermostat 100. The various modules 216 allow the user to
upgrade or customize the thermostat 100 to include features of the
user's choosing. For example, the thermostat 100 may include any of
the features of the modular thermostat described in U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/260,141 filed Nov. 25, 2015,
and any of the features of the thermostat described in U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/275,199, filed Jan. 5, 2016,
the entireties of each of which are incorporated by reference
herein. The modules 216 may include communication transceivers
(e.g., ZIGBEE, ZWAVE, near field communication, cellular, etc.),
additional sensors, an additional power supply, or other electronic
components. In some embodiments, the thermostat 100 provides for
the use of more than one module 216 and includes the corresponding
apertures 214 in the housing 102. A wired port 218 (e.g., a USB
port) may be provided to allow external wired communication and or
power supply to and from the electronic components of the
thermostat 100. An aperture 220 may be provided to allow access to
a reset button located within the housing to allow a user to insert
a device (e.g., pen, paperclip, etc.) to manually power down and
restart the thermostat 100.
[0086] FIGS. 26-28 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 300s instead of the 100s. The thermostat 300 includes a
portrait display assembly in which the touch-sensitive display 302,
the display mount 322, and the protective cover 306 (if included
separate from the display 302) have a height 344 greater than the
width 346.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
* * * * *