Patent Description:
Controllable light sources, such as controllable screw-in light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, may provide an easier solution for providing advanced control of lighting. For example, an older incandescent lamp simply be unscrewed from a socket and the controllable light source may be screwed into the socket. The controllable light sources may be controlled by remote control devices. However, the sockets in which the controllable light sources are installed may be controlled by an existing wall-mounted light switch. When the wall-mounted light switch is operated to an off position, power to the controllable light source may be cut, such that the controllable light source may no longer respond to commands transmitted by the remote control devices. Accordingly, it is desirable to prevent operation of such a wall-mounted light switch to ensure that the delivery of power to the controllable light source continues uninterrupted.

<CIT> (A1) discloses a remote control device which may be configured to be mounted over the toggle actuator of a light switch and to control a lighting load. The remote control device may comprise a base portion having planar extensions removably attached or affixed thereto. The planar extensions may be adapted to be received in a gap between a faceplate of the light switch and the toggle actuator for holding the remote control device against the faceplate. The planar extensions may comprise barbs that allow for insertion of the extensions in the gap, but may bite into the faceplate to hinder removal of the remote control device. The planar extensions may be defined by a mounting structure that is configured to be disposed between a yoke of the mechanical switch and the faceplate, and that protrudes beyond a front surface of the faceplate.

As described herein, example remote control device may provide a simple retrofit solution for existing switched control systems. Implementation of the remote control device, for example in existing switched control systems, may enable energy savings and/or advanced control features, for example without requiring any electrical re-wiring and/or without requiring the replacement of any existing mechanical switches.

The remote control device may be configured to control one or more electrical loads, such as lighting loads, and/or load control devices. The remote control device may be configured to be mounted over the respective actuators of existing mechanical switches that, for example, may control whether power is delivered to the one or more electrical loads. The remote control device may be configured to control one or more load control devices of a load control system without requiring access to the electrical wiring of the load control system. One or more electrical loads may be electrically connected to a load control device such that the load control device may control an amount of power delivered to the one or more electrical loads. The control unit of the remote control device may be configured to transmit one or more commands for controlling the electrical loads via wireless communication.

The remote control device may be configured to maintain the actuators of mechanical switches over which they are installed in respective on positions, such that users of the remote control device are not able to mistakenly switch the actuators to the off position, which may cause one or more electrical load to be unpowered such that the one or more electrical loads cannot be controlled by one or more remote control device. The remote control device may be configured to control multiple types of electrical loads on a single electrical circuit, for instance substantially in unison. A load control system may include multiple remote control devices that are configured to provide individual, such as zoned control of each of a plurality of electrical loads coupled to a single electrical circuit.

The remote control device may include a faceplate assembly and a control unit. The faceplate assembly may include a faceplate, an adapter plate, and a mounting frame. The adapter plate may be configured to be attached to a yoke of an installed mechanical switch. The mounting frame may be configured to space the faceplate away from a bezel of an installed mechanical switch. The control unit may be configured to be removably attached to the mounting frame. The faceplate may be configured to be removably attached to the adapter plate. One or more of the adapter plate, the mounting frame, the control unit, and the faceplate of the remote control device may be configured so as to be staggered relative to a surface of a structure to which the one or more mechanical switches are installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the one or more mechanical switches are installed.

In an example installation process, the remote control device may be installed by: (<NUM>) removing a switch plate from a mechanical switch that is installed in a single-gang wallbox; (<NUM>) attaching an adapter plate and a mounting frame of the remote control device to a yoke of the mechanical switch; (<NUM>) attaching a faceplate of the remote control device to the adapter plate, and (<NUM>) attaching a control unit of the remote control device to the mounting frame, wherein the faceplate defines an opening through which a portion of the mounting frame is received as the faceplate is attached to the adapter plate.

<FIG> depict an example of a remote control device <NUM> that may be installed in a load control system, such as a lighting control system. The load control system may include a mechanical switch <NUM> that may be in place prior to installation of the remote control device <NUM>, for example pre-existing in the load control system. As shown, the mechanical switch <NUM> may be a standard decorator paddle switch. The load control system may further include one or more electrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch <NUM> may be coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads. The mechanical switch <NUM> may include an actuator <NUM> that may be surrounded by a bezel <NUM> and may be actuated to turn on and/or turn off, the one or more electrical loads. An upper portion 172a of the actuator <NUM> may protrude from the bezel <NUM> (e.g., in a first orientation, as shown in <FIG>) when the electrical load is off, and a lower portion 172b of the actuator <NUM> may protrude from the bezel <NUM> (e.g., in a second orientation) when the electrical load is on, or vice versa. The mechanical switch <NUM> may include a yoke <NUM> that enables mounting of the mechanical switch <NUM> to a structure. For example, the yoke <NUM> may be fastened to a single-gang wallbox that is installed in an opening of a structure (e.g., such as a wall, ceiling, etc.). The remote control device <NUM> may be configured to be installed on the mechanical switch <NUM> in a single-gang wallbox.

The load control system may further include a load control device (not shown) that is electrically connected to the one or more electrical loads (e.g., lighting loads). The load control device may include a load control circuit for controlling the intensity of one or more of the lighting loads between a low-end intensity (e.g., approximately <NUM>%) and a high-end intensity (e.g., approximately <NUM>%), and may include a wireless communication circuit. In an example implementation, the load control device may be a standalone dimmer switch that is electrically connected to the one or more lighting loads. In another example implementation, each of the one or more electrical loads may be a controllable light source (e.g., a screw-in light-emitting diode (LED) lamp) that each may include a respective integrated load control circuit and wireless communication circuit (e.g., the lighting load includes a corresponding load control device that is configured for wireless communication). It should be appreciated that the load control system is not limited to the example load control devices described herein.

The remote control device <NUM> may include a control unit <NUM> (e.g., a control module) and a faceplate assembly <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may include a user interface comprising an actuation portion <NUM> that may be attached to a base portion <NUM>. The actuation portion <NUM> may comprise a front surface <NUM> having an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. The actuation portion <NUM> may be configured to pivot about a central axis in response to an actuation of the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be configured to control an electrical load to turn the electrical load on in response to an actuation of the upper portion <NUM> and to turn the electrical load off in response to an actuation of the lower portion <NUM>. The front surface <NUM> of the actuation portion <NUM> may also be configured as a touch sensitive surface (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) that is configured to receive (e.g., detect) inputs, such as gestures, from a user of the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may also include a light bar <NUM> configured to be illuminated by one or more light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs). For example, the light bar <NUM> may be illuminated to visibly display information to a user of the control unit <NUM>. The front surface <NUM> of the actuation portion <NUM> may be actuated along the light bar <NUM> to adjust the amount of power delivered to the lighting load according to the position of the actuation.

The faceplate assembly <NUM> may include an adapter plate <NUM>, a mounting frame <NUM>, and a faceplate <NUM>. Prior to installation of the remote control device <NUM>, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) may be removed from the mechanical switch <NUM>, for instance by removing faceplate screws (not shown) from corresponding faceplate screw holes <NUM> in the yoke <NUM>. The adapter plate <NUM> may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The adapter plate <NUM> may be configured to be attached to the yoke <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>. For example, the adapter plate <NUM> may be secured to the yoke <NUM> using fasteners, such as screws <NUM> that are received through openings <NUM> in the adapter plate <NUM> and installed into the faceplate screw holes <NUM> in the yoke <NUM>. As shown, the adapter plate <NUM> may define an opening <NUM> that extends therethrough. The opening <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the mechanical switch <NUM> that may include, for example, the actuator <NUM> and/or the bezel <NUM> that surrounds a perimeter of the actuator <NUM>. The adapter plate <NUM> may define a rear edge <NUM> that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch <NUM> is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch <NUM> is installed. The adapter plate <NUM> may be configured such that the faceplate <NUM> is spaced from the structure and appears to be floating off the structure.

The faceplate <NUM> may define a front surface <NUM> and an opposed rear surface <NUM>. The front surface <NUM> may alternatively be referred to as an outer surface of the faceplate <NUM>, and the rear surface <NUM> may alternatively be referred to as an inner surface of the faceplate <NUM>. The faceplate <NUM> may define an opening <NUM> therethrough that is configured to receive a portion of the control unit <NUM>, such that the control unit <NUM> protrudes proud of the faceplate <NUM> when the remote control device <NUM> is in an assembled configuration. The faceplate <NUM> may define one or more snaps (e.g., resilient snap fit connectors) that extend from the rear surface <NUM> and are configured to engage with the one or more holes <NUM> of the adapter plate <NUM>, to releasably attach the faceplate <NUM> to the adapter plate <NUM>. The faceplate <NUM> may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The faceplate <NUM> may include an indicia (not shown). The indicia may indicate a proper orientation of the faceplate <NUM>. The rear surface <NUM> of the faceplate may include mounting instructions for the faceplate <NUM> and/or the remote control <NUM>.

The mounting frame <NUM> may define a plate <NUM>, an opening <NUM>, and a mounting ring <NUM>. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend from the plate <NUM>, for example, such that the mounting ring <NUM> surrounds the opening <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may further define a lip <NUM> that extends therefrom. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend from the lip <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may surround the opening <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may define a perimeter that extends beyond the mounting ring <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may be configured such that the faceplate <NUM> is spaced away from the bezel <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>. For example, the lip <NUM> may be configured to abut the rear surface <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM>. For example, a front surface of the bezel <NUM> may abut the mounting frame <NUM> when the remote control device <NUM> is installed on the mechanical switch <NUM>. A rear surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may be configured to abut the yoke <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>.

The mounting frame <NUM> may be configured to enable removable attachment of the control unit <NUM> to the mounting frame <NUM>. For example, the mounting frame <NUM> may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit <NUM>. As shown, the mounting ring <NUM> may define one or more apertures <NUM> that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit <NUM>. For example, each of the one or more apertures <NUM> may be configured to receive a respective snap <NUM> (e.g., snap fit connector) of the control unit <NUM>. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend through the opening <NUM> in the adapter plate <NUM> and through the opening <NUM> in the faceplate <NUM>. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend from the bezel <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> through the opening <NUM> in the faceplate <NUM> such that the control unit <NUM> can be secured to the mounting frame <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may mount to the mounting frame <NUM> proximate to the front surface <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM>.

The mounting frame <NUM> may be configured to enable removable attachment of the adapter plate <NUM> to the mounting frame <NUM>. For example, the mounting frame <NUM> may define one or more tabs <NUM> that are configured to engage with complementary features of the adapter plate <NUM>. The opening <NUM> of the adapter plate <NUM> may be larger than the opening <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> may have a larger perimeter than the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> of the adapter plate <NUM> may be sized to receive the bezel <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>, while the opening <NUM> may be sized to receive the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be configured such that the lip <NUM> and the mounting ring <NUM> extend beyond the adapter plate <NUM> (e.g., via the opening <NUM>) when the remote control device <NUM> is installed on the mechanical switch <NUM>. The adapter plate <NUM> being removably attached to the adapter plate <NUM> may enable the remote control device <NUM> to be installed in the field in the locations (e.g., only in the locations) where remote control of an electrical load is desired.

The adapter plate <NUM> may be configured to enable removable attachment of the faceplate <NUM> to the adapter plate <NUM>. For example, the adapter plate <NUM> may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate <NUM>. As previously mentioned, the one or more holes <NUM> of the adapter plate <NUM> may be configured to receive complementary features of the faceplate <NUM> (e.g., resilient snap fit connectors, such as the snaps that extend from the rear surface <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM>). The one or more holes <NUM> may be configured as recessed ledges that are configured to engage the complementary features of the faceplate <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may be rectangular in shape and elongate between a first end <NUM> and an opposed second end <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the control unit <NUM> is not limited to the illustrated rectangular geometry, and that control unit may alternatively be configured with other suitable geometries. In accordance with the illustrated orientation of the control unit <NUM>, the first end <NUM> may be referred to as an upper end of the control unit <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may be referred to as a lower end of the control unit <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> may also be referred to as first and second ends of the base portion <NUM>, respectively. The control unit <NUM> may comprise a printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., a flexible or rigid printed circuit board). The base portion <NUM> may define a void <NUM> that is configured to receive the printed circuit board <NUM> in an attached position. The base portion <NUM> may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic.

The front surface <NUM> of the actuation portion <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> may define a capacitive touch user interface that is configured to receive inputs, such as gestures, from a user of the remote control device <NUM>. For example, the printed circuit board <NUM> may include one or more capacitive touch regions, or surfaces. The printed circuit board <NUM> may include a linear capacitive touch surface that faces an inner surface of the actuation portion <NUM> when the printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed in the void <NUM>. The front surface <NUM> of the actuation portion <NUM> may be configured to detect touches along an x-axis, a y-axis, or both an x-axis and a y-axis.

The control unit <NUM> may further include a control circuit (e.g., a processor, not shown) and a wireless communication circuit (e.g., an RF transceiver, not shown). The control circuit and the wireless communication circuit may be mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may comprise an integrated circuit <NUM>, that may be mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and may include an integral processor and an integral RF transceiver. The control circuit may be in electrical communication with the capacitive touch regions of the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the wireless communication circuit may be in electrical communication with the control circuit. The printed circuit board <NUM> may be configured such that the capacitive touch regions are spaced from the control circuit, the wireless communication circuit, and/or other "noisy" circuitry of the printed circuit board <NUM>, which may improve operational efficiency of the capacitive touch regions. The control unit <NUM> may be configured to translate one or more inputs applied via the front surface <NUM> of the actuation portion <NUM> into respective control signals that may be used to control a load control device of a load control system. For example, the control circuit may be configured to receive signals from the capacitive touch surface that correspond to inputs, such as gestures, applied to the front surface <NUM> of the actuation portion <NUM> by a user of the remote control device <NUM>. The control circuit may be configured to interpret the signals into commands that the user desires the control unit <NUM> to cause to be executed.

The light bar <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> may be configured to provide a visual indication of a command issued by the remote control device <NUM>. For example, the control circuit may be configured to, upon receiving a gesture indicative of a command to change an amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a command to dim a lighting load, indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load by temporarily illuminating a number of the plurality of LEDs that corresponds with the desired amount of power (e.g., the desired dimming level of the lighting load). In such an example, the control circuit may be configured to cause the LEDs to be illuminated simultaneously, to illuminate sequentially with some or little overlap before fading, or to otherwise illuminate as desired.

The illustrated control unit <NUM> may be battery-powered. For example, as shown, the control unit <NUM> may include an electrical contact <NUM> that is mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM> and configured to retain a battery <NUM>, for instance the illustrated coin cell battery. The battery <NUM> may be placed in electrical communication with the circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board <NUM>, for instance to power the capacitive touch regions, the control circuit, the wireless communication circuit, and/or other circuitry of the control unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to derive power from a power source connected to the mechanical switch <NUM>, such as source of AC power for example. In addition, the control unit <NUM> may be powered from a power source located in the faceplate assembly <NUM>. For example, the adapter plate <NUM> may be configured to store one or more batteries, for example, in a void defined between an inner surface of the faceplate <NUM> and the adapter plate <NUM>, and the batteries may be electrically connected to the control unit <NUM> for powering the circuitry of the control unit.

The control unit <NUM> may be configured to be attached to the mounting frame <NUM> with the light bar <NUM> located on a predetermined side of the control unit (e.g., the right side of the control unit as shown in <FIG>), for example, such that the light bar <NUM> may be illuminated to indicate the amount of power presently being delivered to the electrical load. The control unit <NUM> may be configured to be attached to the mounting frame <NUM> with the light bar <NUM> located on a predetermined side of the control unit independent of a position of the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> (e.g., whether the upper portion 172a or the lower portion 172b of the actuator <NUM> is protruding from the bezel <NUM>). For example, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to receive a battery <NUM> in a central portion (e.g., the center) of the base portion <NUM>. When the battery <NUM> is located in the central portion of the base portion <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> may be installed on the mechanical switch <NUM> with the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> in either orientation. In addition, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to be attached to the mounting frame <NUM> with the light bar <NUM> located on the left side of the control unit.

The void <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> when the control unit <NUM> is attached to the mounting frame <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may define separate portions of the void <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>. For example, the separate portions of the void <NUM> may be separated by support arms <NUM>. For example, the support arms <NUM> may define a first portion 146a of the void <NUM>, a second portion 146b of the void <NUM>, and a third portion 146c of the void <NUM>. The second portion 146b of the void <NUM> may be a central portion of the void <NUM> that is configured to retain the battery <NUM>. The first portion 146a and the third portion 146c may be edge portions of the void <NUM> that are configured to receive the protruding portion of the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>. For example, the first portion 146a may receive the upper portion 172a of the actuator <NUM> when the mechanical switch <NUM> is in a first orientation (e.g., when the upper portion 172a of the actuator <NUM> is protruding from the bezel <NUM>). The third portion 146c may receive the portion of the lower portion 172b of the actuator <NUM> when the mechanical switch <NUM> is in a second orientation (e.g., when the lower portion 172a of the actuator <NUM> is protruding from the bezel <NUM>).

When the control unit <NUM> is attached to the mounting frame <NUM>, the respective portion of the void <NUM> may be positioned over, and receive, the portion of the actuator <NUM> that protrudes from the mechanical switch <NUM>. To illustrate, if the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> is in a first orientation, such that the upper portion 172a of the actuator <NUM> protrudes from the bezel <NUM>, the first portion 146a of the void <NUM> may be positioned to receive the upper portion 172a of the actuator <NUM>. Alternatively, if the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> is in a second orientation, such that the lower portion 172b of the actuator <NUM> protrudes from the bezel <NUM>, the third portion 146c of the void <NUM> may be positioned to receive the lower portion 172b of the actuator <NUM>. In this regard, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to be attached to the mounting frame <NUM> when the actuator <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> is in at least first and second orientations. The control unit <NUM> and/or the mounting frame <NUM> may be keyed such that the control unit <NUM> can only be mounted in the first orientation or the second orientation.

The snaps <NUM> (e.g., snap fit connectors) may be configured to engage with corresponding the apertures <NUM> of the mounting ring <NUM>, to releasably attach the control unit <NUM> to the mounting frame <NUM> (e.g., the mounting ring <NUM>). The snaps <NUM> may be spaced along opposed sides of and protruding into the void <NUM>. For example, each side (e.g., all four sides) of the void <NUM> may include one or more snaps <NUM>. The snaps <NUM> may be configured to mount the control unit <NUM> to the mounting frame <NUM>. The battery <NUM> in the control unit <NUM> may be removed and/or replaced without removing the faceplate <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be removed from the mounting frame <NUM> (e.g., the mounting ring <NUM>) to enable replacement of the battery <NUM>. The adapter plate <NUM> may be configured to store one or more spare batteries, for example, in a void defined between an inner surface of the faceplate <NUM> and the adapter plate <NUM>, and the batteries may be used to replace depleted batteries in the control unit <NUM>.

The control circuit may be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit respective commands that correspond to interpreted gestures received at the capacitive touch surface. For example, the remote control device <NUM> may be operable to transmit wireless signals, for example radio frequency (RF) signals, to a load control device, one or more electrical loads, and/or a central processor of a load control system. The remote control device <NUM> may be associated with the load control device and the one or more electrical loads during a configuration procedure of the load control system. An example of a configuration procedure for associating a remote control device with a load control device is described in greater detail in commonly-assigned <CIT>, entitled RADIOFREQUENCY LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM.

The adapter plate <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, and/or the faceplate <NUM> may be configured so as to be staggered relative to a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch <NUM> is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch <NUM> is installed. For example, when the mounting frame <NUM> is attached to the yoke <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> is attached to the mounting frame <NUM>, and the faceplate <NUM> is attached to the adapter plate <NUM>, a rear edge <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM> may be spaced from the rear edge <NUM> of the adapter plate <NUM> that abuts a structural surface (e.g., wallboard surface) through a first distance D1 such that the faceplate <NUM> is spaced from the structural surface (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). Additionally, the front surface <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM> may be spaced from the rear edge <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM> by a second distance D2, and an outer surface of the control unit <NUM> is spaced from the front surface <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM> by a third distance D3. The first distance D1, the second distance D2, and the third distance D3 may be substantially equal to each other. However it should be appreciated that one or more of the adapter plate <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, and/or the faceplate <NUM> may be otherwise configured such that one or more of the first, second, and third distances D1, D2, D3 are different from each other.

Although the adapter plate <NUM> and the mounting frame <NUM> are shown as separate components, it should be appreciated that the adapter plate <NUM> and the mounting frame <NUM> may be combined into a single component. For example, the adapter plate <NUM> and the mounting frame <NUM> may be molded together. In addition, the faceplate <NUM>, the adapter plate <NUM>, and the mounting frame <NUM> may be molded together, for example, as a single component.

<FIG> depict various views of the example mounting frame <NUM>. The mounting frame <NUM> may define a recess <NUM> that is proximate to the opening <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> may surround the opening <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The recess <NUM> may extend from the rear surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM> of the mounting frame <NUM> to a rear surface <NUM> of the mounting ring <NUM>. The recess may be defined as a fourth opening between the plate <NUM> and the mounting ring <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion (e.g., the bezel <NUM>) of the mechanical switch <NUM> when the remote control device <NUM> is installed on the mechanical switch <NUM>. For example, a front surface of the bezel <NUM> may abut the rear surface <NUM> of the mounting ring <NUM> when the remote control device <NUM> is installed on the mechanical switch <NUM>. The mounting frame <NUM> may define one or more cavities <NUM>. The one or more cavities <NUM> may be defined from the rear surface <NUM> of the plate <NUM> the mounting frame <NUM>. The one or more cavities <NUM> may be configured to receive the yoke <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM>.

The mounting ring <NUM> may include the apertures <NUM> that extend therethrough. For example, each side of the mounting ring <NUM> may include one or more apertures <NUM>, as shown. In an example, the mounting ring <NUM> may include two apertures <NUM> at the top and bottom sides and four apertures <NUM> at the left and right sides. The one or more apertures <NUM> may be oblong and may start at the lip <NUM>. The one or more apertures <NUM> may extend (e.g., partially extend) into the lip <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> may be defined by a thickness D4. The lip <NUM> may extend a distance D5 from the plate <NUM>. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend a distance D6 from the lip <NUM>. The distance D5 may be configured such that the faceplate <NUM> is spaced away from the bezel <NUM> of the mechanical switch <NUM> such that the mounting ring <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM>. The distance D5 may be as thin as practicable, for example, approximately <NUM> inches. The distance D6 may be configured such that the control unit <NUM> is securably retained by the mounting ring <NUM>. For example, the distance D6 may be configured such that each of the snaps <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> can be received by respective apertures <NUM> in the mounting ring <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example mounting frame <NUM> installed in a multi-gang wallbox. For example, a remote control device (e.g., such as the remote control device <NUM>) may be configured to be installed over a first mechanical switch <NUM> in a multi-gang wallbox next to a second electrical device (e.g., a second mechanical switch <NUM>). The multi-gang wallbox may be a double gang wallbox, as shown. The remote control device may be installed next to one or more other remote control devices and/or one or more other mechanical switches in a multi-gang wallbox.

It should be appreciated that the second electrical device in the multi-gang wallbox <NUM> is not limited to a second mechanical switch <NUM>. For example, the second electrical device could alternatively be an electrical outlet, or another type of electrical device that is configured to be installed for use with a faceplate having a decorator style opening.

The remote control device may include an adapter plate <NUM>, the mounting frame <NUM>, a control unit (not shown), and a faceplate (not shown). The control unit may be constructed identically to the control unit <NUM> of the remote control device. The adapter plate <NUM>, the mounting frame <NUM>, and the faceplate may be constructed similarly to the adapter plate <NUM>, the mounting frame <NUM>, and the faceplate <NUM>, with the below-described differences in configuration for use in a double-gang implementation.

As shown, the adapter plate <NUM> may define first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> that extend therethrough. The first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive respective portions of the first and second mechanical switches <NUM>, <NUM> that may include, for example, the actuators <NUM>, <NUM> and corresponding bezels <NUM>, <NUM> that surround respective perimeters of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>. The adapter plate <NUM> may define a rear edge <NUM> that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the first and second mechanical switches <NUM>, <NUM> are installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a double-gang wallbox in which the first and second mechanical switches <NUM>, <NUM> are installed. The mounting frame <NUM> may be installed in the first opening <NUM> and/or the second opening <NUM> of the adapter plate <NUM>. For example, a mounting frame <NUM> may be installed in the first opening <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Before installation of the remote control device, an original installed position of the second mechanical switch <NUM> (e.g., with the yoke <NUM> screwed to the double-gang wallbox) may cause the actuator <NUM> and the bezel <NUM> of the second mechanical switch <NUM> to be recessed relative to a front surface of the faceplate. However, during attachment of the adapter plate <NUM> to the yoke <NUM> of the second mechanical switch <NUM>, screws (not shown) that secure the yoke <NUM> to the double-gang wallbox may be loosened. With the screws that secure the yoke <NUM> loosened, the screws <NUM> that correspond to the second opening <NUM> may be tightened, which may draw the yoke <NUM> of the second mechanical switch <NUM> outward relative to the double-gang wallbox and toward a front surface of the adapter plate <NUM>. The process of loosening the screws that secure the yoke <NUM>, followed by tightening the screws <NUM>, may be repeated until the yoke <NUM> of the second mechanical switch <NUM> is moved outward sufficiently such that the bezel <NUM> is substantially flush with, or protrudes proud of, the front surface of the faceplate when the faceplate is attached to the adapter plate <NUM>. In this regard, the adapter plate <NUM> may be configured to enable adjustment of the yokes <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second mechanical switches <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, toward and away from the double-gang wallbox, and toward or away from the front surface of the faceplate. An example of a similar procedure for mounting a remote control device in a multi-gang wallbox is disclosed in commonly-assigned <CIT>, entitled RETROFIT REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict an example of a remote control device <NUM> that may be installed in a load control system, such as a lighting control system. The load control system may include the mechanical switch <NUM> (e.g., such as the mechanical switch <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) that may be in place prior to installation of the remote control device <NUM>, for example pre-existing in the load control system. As shown, the mechanical switch <NUM> may be a standard decorator paddle switch, as described herein. The load control system may further include one or more electrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch <NUM> may be coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads.

The remote control device <NUM> may include a control unit <NUM> (e.g., a control module), a base <NUM>, and a faceplate assembly <NUM> (e.g., such as the faceplate assembly <NUM>). The base <NUM> may operate as a mount for the control unit <NUM>, for example, to mount the control unit <NUM> to the faceplate assembly <NUM>. The base <NUM> may alternatively be referred to as a base portion or a mounting assembly. The control unit <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be configured such that the control unit <NUM> may be removably attached to the base <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may alternatively be referred to as a control module. It should be appreciated that other control units described herein may similarly be alternatively referred to as control modules.

The control unit <NUM> may comprise a user interface including a rotating portion <NUM> and an actuation portion <NUM>. The rotating portion <NUM> may be rotatable with respect to the base <NUM> and/or the faceplate assembly <NUM> (e.g., faceplate <NUM>). For example, as shown, the control unit <NUM> includes an annular rotating portion <NUM> that is configured to rotate about the base <NUM>. The remote control device <NUM> may be configured such that the control unit <NUM> and the base <NUM> are removably attachable to one another. <FIG> depicts the remote control device <NUM> with the control unit <NUM> detached from the base <NUM>. When the control unit <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM> (e.g., as shown in FIG. <NUM>), the rotating portion <NUM> may be rotatable in opposed directions about the base <NUM>, for example in the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. The base <NUM> may be configured to be mounted over a light switch such that the application of rotational movement to the rotating portion <NUM> does not actuate the light switch.

The actuation portion <NUM> may be operated separately from or in concert with the rotating portion <NUM>. As shown, the actuation portion <NUM> may include a circular surface within an opening defined by the rotating portion <NUM>. In an example implementation, the actuation portion <NUM> may be configured to move inward toward the light switch to actuate a mechanical switch (not shown) inside the control unit <NUM>, for instance as described herein. The actuation portion <NUM> may be configured to return to an idle or rest position after being actuated. In this regard, the actuation portion <NUM> may be configured to operate as a toggle control of the control unit <NUM>.

The remote control device <NUM> may be configured to transmit one or more wireless communication signals (e.g., RF signals) to one or more control devices. The remote control device <NUM> may include a wireless communication circuit, e.g., an RF transceiver or transmitter (not shown), via which one or more wireless communication signals may be sent and/or received. The control unit <NUM> may be configured to transmit digital messages (e.g., including commands) in response to one or more actuations applied to the control unit <NUM>, such as operation of the rotating portion <NUM> and/or the actuation portion <NUM>. The digital messages may be transmitted to one or more devices associated with the remote control device <NUM>, such as the controllable light source. For example, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to transmit a command via one or more RF signals to raise the intensity of the controllable light source in response to a clockwise rotation of the rotating portion <NUM> and a command to lower the intensity of the controllable light source in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the rotating portion <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be configured to transmit a command to toggle the controllable light source (e.g., from off to on or vice versa) in response to an actuation of the actuation portion <NUM>. In addition, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to transmit a command to turn the controllable light source on in response to an actuation of the actuation portion <NUM> (e.g., if the control unit <NUM> knows that the controllable light source is presently off). The control unit <NUM> may be configured to transmit a command to turn the controllable light source off in response to an actuation of the actuation portion <NUM> (e.g., if the control unit <NUM> knows that the controllable light source is presently on).

As described herein, the remote control device <NUM> may comprise a battery (not shown) for powering at least the remote control device <NUM>. The remote control device <NUM> may be configured to enable releasable attachment of the control unit <NUM> to the base <NUM> (e.g., to allow for replacement of the battery). For example, the control unit <NUM> may comprise two tabs (not shown) configured to snap onto respective attachment clips <NUM> on the base <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be installed on the base <NUM> by pushing the control unit towards the base <NUM> until the tabs of the control unit <NUM> engage the attachment clips <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be released from the base <NUM> by pulling the control unit <NUM> away from the base <NUM>. In addition, the base <NUM> may include a release mechanism that may be actuated to release the control unit <NUM> from the base <NUM>. For example, the base <NUM> may include a sliding release tab that may be actuated to release the control unit <NUM> from the base <NUM>.

The remote control device <NUM> may be configured to be installed over a paddle actuator <NUM> (e.g., instead of a toggle actuator). For example, the remote control device <NUM> may include a cover portion <NUM> (e.g., a mounting adapter) and a mounting frame <NUM>. The cover portion <NUM> may be configured to cover the actuator of the mechanical switch and receive the base <NUM>. For example, the base <NUM> may be attached (e.g., releasably attached) to the cover portion <NUM>. The base <NUM> may define an opening <NUM> for allowing for attachment of the base <NUM> to the cover portion <NUM> (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). The cover portion <NUM> may be configured to releasably retain the base <NUM>. The cover portion <NUM> may define a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. The cover portion <NUM> may include a mounting tab <NUM> that extends from the front surface <NUM>. The mounting tab <NUM> may be configured to be received in the opening <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The mounting tab <NUM> may be configured to prevent rotation of the base <NUM> when the base <NUM> is attached to the cover portion <NUM> and the rotating portion <NUM> is rotated. The cover portion <NUM> may include one or more snaps (e.g., similar to snaps <NUM> shown in <FIG>) that extend from the rear surface <NUM>. The one or more snaps may be configured to secure the cover portion <NUM> to the faceplate assembly <NUM>.

The remote control device <NUM> may include a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be configured to secure the remote control device <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>) to the cover portion <NUM>. For example, the fastener <NUM> may be configured to secure the base <NUM> to a platform <NUM> that extends from the front surface <NUM> of the cover portion <NUM>. The mounting tab <NUM> may extend from the platform <NUM>. The platform <NUM> may define an aperture <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may receive the fastener <NUM>, for example, to secure the remote control device <NUM> (e.g., the base <NUM>) to the cover portion <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may be threaded. The base <NUM> may include a through-hole <NUM> that is configured to receive the fastener <NUM>. A rear surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> may abut the front surface <NUM> of the cover portion <NUM> when the remote control device <NUM> is secured to the cover portion <NUM>.

The faceplate assembly <NUM> may include an adapter plate <NUM>, a mounting frame <NUM>, and a faceplate <NUM>. Prior to installation of the remote control device <NUM>, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) may be removed from the mechanical switch <NUM>. The adapter plate <NUM> may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The adapter plate <NUM> may be configured to be attached to a yoke (e.g., such as yoke <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the mechanical switch <NUM>. The faceplate <NUM> may be configured to be attached to the adapter plate <NUM>. The adapter plate <NUM> may define a rear edge <NUM> that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch <NUM> is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch <NUM> is installed. The adapter plate <NUM> may be configured such that the faceplate <NUM> is spaced from the structure and appears to be floating off the structure.

The faceplate <NUM> may define a front surface <NUM> and an opposed rear surface (e.g., such as rear surface <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The front surface <NUM> may alternatively be referred to as an outer surface of the faceplate <NUM>, and the rear surface may alternatively be referred to as an inner surface of the faceplate <NUM>. The faceplate <NUM> may define an opening (e.g., such as opening <NUM> shown in <FIG>) therethrough that is configured to receive a portion of the mounting frame <NUM>. The faceplate <NUM> may define one or more snaps (e.g., resilient snap fit connectors) that extend from the rear surface and are configured to engage with the one or more holes of the adapter plate <NUM>, to releasably attach the faceplate <NUM> to the adapter plate <NUM>. The faceplate <NUM> may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The faceplate <NUM> may include an indicia (not shown), such as, for example, a manufacturer name or icon. The indicia may indicate a proper orientation of the faceplate <NUM>. The rear surface of the faceplate may include mounting instructions for the faceplate <NUM> and/or the remote control <NUM>.

The mounting frame <NUM> may define a plate (e.g., such as the plate <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), an opening (e.g., such as the opening <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), and a mounting ring <NUM>. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend from the plate, for example, such that the mounting ring <NUM> surrounds the opening. A front surface of the bezel of the mechanical switch <NUM> may abut the mounting frame <NUM> when the remote control device <NUM> is installed on the mechanical switch <NUM>.

The mounting frame <NUM> may be configured to enable removable attachment of the cover portion <NUM> to the mounting frame <NUM>. For example, the mounting frame <NUM> may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the cover portion <NUM>. As shown, the mounting ring <NUM> may define one or more apertures <NUM> that are configured to engage with complementary features of the cover portion <NUM>. For example, each of the one or more apertures <NUM> may be configured to receive a respective snap (e.g., snap fit connector) of the cover portion <NUM>. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend through the opening in the faceplate <NUM>. The mounting ring <NUM> may extend from the bezel of the mechanical switch <NUM> through the opening in the faceplate <NUM> such that the cover portion <NUM> can be secured to the mounting frame <NUM>. For example, the cover portion <NUM> may mount to the mounting frame <NUM> proximate to the front surface <NUM> of the faceplate <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the example remote control devices <NUM>, <NUM> illustrated and described herein may each provide a simple retrofit solution for an existing switched control system and may ease the installation of a load control system or enhance an existing load control system installation. A load control system that integrates one or more remote control devices <NUM>, <NUM> may provide energy savings and/or advanced control features, for example without requiring any electrical re-wiring and/or without requiring the replacement of any existing mechanical switches.

Claim 1:
A remote control device (<NUM>) that is configured for use in a load control system comprising a load control device, the load control device configured to control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load that is electrically connected to the load control device, the remote control device (<NUM>) comprising:
an adapter plate (<NUM>) configured to be attached to a yoke (<NUM>) of a mechanical switch (<NUM>) that controls whether power is delivered to the electrical load, the adapter plate (<NUM>) defining a first opening (<NUM>);
a mounting frame (<NUM>) that defines a plate, a second opening (<NUM>) therethrough and a mounting ring (<NUM>) extending from the plate and surrounding the second opening
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to be attached to the mounting ring, the control unit (<NUM>) comprising a user interface and a wireless communication circuit, the control unit (<NUM>) configured to translate a user input received via the user interface into a control signal that controls the load control device, and to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit the control signal; and
a faceplate (<NUM>) configured to be attached to the adapter plate (<NUM>), the faceplate (<NUM>) defining a third opening (<NUM>) therethrough,
wherein when the mechanical switch (<NUM>) is mounted in a wallbox, the mounting frame (<NUM>) is attached to the adapter plate (<NUM>) and the adapter plate (<NUM>) is attached to the faceplate (<NUM>), and
wherein when the mechanical switch (<NUM>) is mounted in the wallbox, the mounting frame (<NUM>) abuts a bezel (<NUM>) of the mechanical switch (<NUM>) such that the faceplate (<NUM>) is spaced away from the bezel of the mechanical switch (<NUM>) to enable the mounting ring to extend through the first opening and the third opening, and wherein a portion of the mechanical switch (<NUM>) extends through the second opening.