Patent ID: 12261008

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1and2depict an example remote control device100that may be installed in a load control system, such as a lighting control system. The load control system may include a mechanical switch170that may be in place prior to installation of the remote control device100, for example pre-existing in the load control system. As shown, the mechanical switch170may be a standard decorator paddle switch. The load control system may further include one or more electrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch170may be coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads. The mechanical switch170may include an actuator172that may be actuated to turn on and/or turn off, the one or more electrical loads. The mechanical switch170may include a yoke174that enables mounting of the mechanical switch170to a structure. For example, the yoke174may be fastened to a single-gang wallbox that is installed in an opening of a wall.

The load control system may further include a load control device that is electrically connected to the one or more electrical loads. The load control device may include a load control circuit for controlling the intensity of one or more of the electrical loads between a low end intensity (e.g., approximately 1%) and a high-end intensity (e.g., approximately 100%), 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 electrical loads. In another example implementation, each of the one more electrical loads may include a respective integrated load control circuit and wireless communication circuit, such that each electrical 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.

As shown, the example remote control device100may include an adapter110, a control unit130, and a faceplate160. Prior to installation of the remote control device100, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) may be removed from the mechanical switch170, for instance by removing faceplate screws (not shown) from corresponding faceplate screw holes176in the yoke174. The adapter110may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The adapter110may be configured to be attached to the yoke174of the mechanical switch170. For example, the adapter110may be secured to the yoke174using fasteners, such as screws111that are received through openings113in the adapter110and installed into the faceplate screw holes176in the yoke174. As shown, the adapter110may define an opening112that extends therethrough. The opening112may be configured to receive a portion of the mechanical switch170that may include, for example, the actuator172and a bezel173that surrounds a perimeter of the actuator172. The adapter110may define a rear surface114that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch170is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch170is installed.

The adapter110may be configured to enable removable attachment of the control unit130to the adapter110. For example, the adapter110may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit130. As shown, the adapter110may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors116that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit130. The adapter110may be configured to enable removable attachment of the faceplate160to the adapter110. For example, the adapter110may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate160. As shown, the adapter110may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors118that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate160.

The faceplate may define a front surface161and an opposed rear surface163. The front surface161may alternatively be referred to as an outer surface of the faceplate160, and the rear surface163may alternatively be referred to as an inner surface of the faceplate160. The faceplate160may define an opening162therethrough that is configured to receive a portion of the control unit130, such that the control unit130protrudes proud of the faceplate160when the remote control device100is in an assembled configuration. As shown, the faceplate160may define recessed ledges164that are configured to engage with corresponding ones of the snap fit connectors118of the adapter110, to releasably attach the faceplate160to the adapter110. The faceplate160may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic.

As shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the control unit130may include a cover132, an insert134that is configured to be received in the cover132, and a flexible circuit board136that may be configured to be wrapped around a portion of the insert134. The cover132and the insert134may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The illustrated control unit130is rectangular in shape and is elongate between a first end131and an opposed second end133. It should be appreciated that the control unit130is 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 unit130, the first end131may be referred to as an upper end of the control unit130and the second end133may be referred to as a lower end of the control unit130. The first and second ends131,133of the control unit130may also be referred to as first and second ends of the cover132, respectively. The cover132may define a void138that is configured to receive the insert134with the flexible circuit board136wrapped around the insert134in an attached position. The cover132may define an inner surface142and an opposed outer surface144. The outer surface144of the cover132may alternatively be referred to as a front surface of the cover132, and more generally as an outer surface of the control unit130.

The control unit130may define a capacitive touch user interface that is configured to receive inputs, such as gestures, from a user of the remote control device100. For example, the flexible circuit board136may include one or more capacitive touch regions, or surfaces. As shown, the flexible circuit board136includes a linear capacitive touch surface140that faces the inner surface142of the cover132when the flexible circuit board136is wrapped around the insert134and disposed in the void138. The capacitive touch surface140may be configured to detect touches along an x axis, a y axis, or both an x and y axis.

The control unit130may further include a control circuit (not shown) and a wireless communication circuit (not shown). The control circuit and the wireless communication circuit may be mounted to the flexible circuit board136, for example. The control circuit may be in electrical communication with the capacitive touch surface140, and the wireless communication circuit may be in electrical communication with the control circuit. The flexible circuit board136may be configured to wrap around the insert134such that the capacitive touch surface140is spaced from the control circuit, the wireless communication circuit, and/or other “noisy” circuitry of the flexible circuit board136along a direction that extends perpendicular to the outer surface144of the cover132. This may improve operational efficiency of the capacitive touch surface140.

The control unit130may be configured to translate one or more inputs applied via the capacitive touch surface140into 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 surface140that correspond to inputs, such as gestures, applied to the capacitive touch surface140by a user of the remote control device100. The control circuit may be configured to interpret the signals into commands that the user desires the control unit130to cause to be executed.

The control circuit may be configured to recognize a plurality of signals received from the capacitive touch surface140that correspond to user inputs or gestures applied via the capacitive touch surface140. The control unit130may be configured to provide a visual indication associated with inputs and/or gestures received by the capacitive touch surface140. For example, as shown, the control unit130may further include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)146that are configured to provide the visual indication. In accordance with the illustrated control unit130, the plurality of LEDs146are arranged in a linear array that extends between the first and second ends131,133of the control unit130, and may be attached to the flexible circuit board136approximate to an outer edge thereof. The cover132may define an opening that allows light from one or more of the LEDs146to be emitted outward from an interior of the cover132. For example, as shown, the cover132defines a narrow slot148that extends between the first and second ends131,133of the cover132. The cover132may include a light bar149that is disposed in the slot148. The capacitive touch surface140may define a gap141, for example approximately midway between opposed sides of the flexible circuit board136or near a side thereof. The control unit may further include a light guide150that may be configured to diffuse light emitted from the LEDs146through the gap141at respective locations along the slot148. The light guide150may comprise light guide film, for example. It should be appreciated that the control unit130is not limited to the illustrated array of LEDs146and/or the illustrated geometry of the slot148.

The control circuit may be configured to recognize a plurality of signals received from the capacitive touch surface140that correspond to user inputs or gestures applied via the capacitive touch surface140. For example, the control circuit may receive a signal indicative of a “touch” or “tap” gesture applied at a specific location on the capacitive touch surface140. The control circuit may be configured to interpret a signal corresponding to such a gesture as a command for an associated load control device to “go to” a desired dimming level (e.g., a desired intensity level), such as a command for a lighting load of a load control system to go to a desired dimming level, where the desired dimming level is dependent upon a location on the capacitive touch surface140, such as a position along the light bar149, at which the poke gesture is applied.

In another example, the control circuit may receive a signal indicative of a “swipe” gesture applied along a specific region of the capacitive touch surface140. The control circuit may be configured to interpret a signal corresponding to a swipe in an upward direction as a command for a lighting load to go to a full intensity dimming level (e.g., a high-end intensity), and may be configured to interpret a signal corresponding to a swipe in a downward direction as a command for the lighting load to go to a minimal dimming level (e.g., a low-end intensity, such as 1% or off).

In still another example, the control circuit may receive a signal indicative of a “smack” gesture applied to the capacitive touch surface140. A “smack” gesture may, may for example, comprise touching or tapping the capacitive touch surface140(e.g., using multiple fingers simultaneously) such that contact is made to a larger area of the capacitive touch surface140than would be contacted during a “touch” or “tap” by a single finger. The control circuit may be configured to interpret a signal corresponding to such a gesture as a command to toggle a state of the lighting load, for example from on to off or from off to on.

In still another example, the control circuit may receive a signal indicative of a “relative” gesture applied to the capacitive touch surface140, such as a touch by two fingers that are spaced apart, a two-finger “pinch” gesture (e.g., fingers moving together), a two-finger “open” gesture (e.g., fingers moving apart), or the like. The control circuit may be configured to interpret a signal corresponding to such a gesture as a command to incrementally increase or decrease a current dimming level of one or more lighting loads, for example by corresponding predetermined amounts. For example, such a gesture may cause multiple lighting loads that are configured to be controlled by the remote control device100to raise or lower their respective intensities, such that an aggregate amount of light (e.g., within a space) may be changed, while allowing the multiple lighting loads to maintain respective power levels that are different from one another.

In an illustrative example of using a relative gesture, the remote control device100may be associated with first and second dimmable lighting loads in a load control system. The first lighting load may be off, and the second lighting load may be powered at approximately 50% intensity. In a first scenario, if the control circuit receives a “touch” or “tap” gesture applied at a specific location on the capacitive touch surface140that corresponds to 25% intensity, the control circuit may cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit one or more commands that cause the second lighting load to dim directly to 25% intensity, and that cause the first lighting load to turn on directly to 25% intensity. In an alternative second scenario, if the control circuit instead receives a “relative” gesture applied via the capacitive touch surface140, the gesture indicative of a gradual dimming adjustment, the control circuit may issue one or more commands that cause the second lighting load to slowly dim down to an intensity that matches the lighting level desired by the user, while leaving the first lighting load in an off state.

The control circuit may be configured to associate particular user gestures with predetermined scenes, such as predefined lighting scenes for example. The control circuit may be configured to enable one or more of user-programmable, reprogrammable, and custom gestures. Gestures may be applied to the capacitive touch surface140, for example, via direct contact with the outer surface144of the cover132, via proximity of anatomy to the outer surface144of the cover132, or otherwise. The control circuit may be configured to associate particular user gestures with predetermined scenes, such as predefined lighting scenes for example. The control circuit may be configured to enable one or more of user-programmable, reprogrammable, and custom gestures. Gestures may be applied to the capacitive touch surface140, for example, via direct contact with the outer surface144of the cover132, via proximity of anatomy to the outer surface144of the cover132, or otherwise.

It should be appreciated that the control circuit is not limited to interpreting signals associated with the above-described example gestures, and that the control circuit may be alternatively configured to interpret signals associated with more, fewer, or different gestures as desired. As shown, the capacitive touch surface140defines one linear column (e.g., a one-dimensional column) that may provide a Y-axis output. However, it should further be appreciated that the control unit130is not limited to the illustrated capacitive touch surface140. For example, the capacitive touch surface140may alternatively define, for example, two, three, or more linear columns that may provide respective Y-axis outputs, one or more linear rows that provide respective X-axis outputs, or any combination thereof. The capacitive touch surface140may also be, for example, a two-dimensional touch element having both X-axis and Y-axis outputs. Such alternative implementations may enable the remote control device to control multiple electrical loads from the control unit130. For example, gestures applied to a first capacitive touch column may cause commands to be issued to a first lighting load associated with the first capacitive touch column, gestures applied to a second capacitive touch column may cause commands to be issued to a second lighting load associated with the second capacitive touch column, and gestures applied simultaneously to both the first and second capacitive touch columns may cause a command to be issued to both the first and second lighting loads.

The cover132, the capacitive touch surface140, the plurality of LEDs146, and the slot148may cooperate with one another to define a capacitive touch interface of the control unit130, and more generally of the remote control device100. The capacitive touch interface may be configured to provide a visual indication of a command issued by the remote control device100. For example, the capacitive touch interface 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 of a lighting control system, indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load by temporarily illuminating a number of the plurality of LEDs146that 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 LEDs146to be illuminated simultaneously, to illuminate sequentially with some or little overlap before fading, or to otherwise illuminate as desired.

The control unit130may be configured to be attached to the adapter110in multiple orientations, for example in accordance with a position of the actuator172of the mechanical switch170. For example, the insert134may be configured to, when received in the void138in the cover132, define a recess152(e.g., as shown inFIGS.4and8) that is configured to receive a portion of the actuator172of the mechanical switch170when the control unit130is attached to the adapter110. As shown, the insert134may define a sloped surface154that at least partially defines the recess152. When the control unit130is attached to the adapter110, the control unit130may be oriented such that the recess152is positioned over, and receives, a portion of the actuator172that protrudes from the mechanical switch170. To illustrate, if the actuator172is in a first position, such that the lower portion of the actuator172protrudes, the control unit130may be oriented such that the recess152is positioned to receive the lower portion of the actuator172. Alternatively, if the actuator172is in a second position, such that the upper portion of the actuator172protrudes, the control unit130may be oriented such that the recess152is positioned to receive the upper portion of the actuator172. In this regard, the control unit130may be configured to be attached to the adapter110in at least first and second orientations. As shown, the cover132of the control unit130may define slots156that are configured to receive and engage with corresponding ones of the snap fit connectors116of the adapter110, to releasably attach the control unit130to the adapter110.FIG.5illustrates the adapter110with the control unit130attached thereto.

The control unit130may be configured to determine an orientation of the control unit130relative to the adapter110. For example, the illustrated control unit130may be configured to determine whether the control unit130is attached to the adapter110in a first orientation in which the recess152is located closer to a lower end of the adapter110, or is attached to the adapter110in a second orientation in which the recess152is located closer to an upper end of the adapter110. As shown, the flexible circuit board136may define an electrical contact pad158that is configured to be received in a recess135defined by the cover132, such that the electrical contact pad158is exposed. As shown inFIG.6, the faceplate160may include a shorting member166that is located along a lower edge of the opening162. The faceplate160may define one or more markings (not shown) to ensure proper orientation of the faceplate160, and thus the shorting member166, when attaching the faceplate160to the adapter110. The control circuit of the control unit130may be configured to determine whether the control unit130is in the first or second orientation based upon whether or not the shorting member166is placed into electrical communication with the electrical contact pad158when the faceplate160is attached to the adapter110. In this regard, the control unit130may be configured to determine an orientation of the control unit130relative to the faceplate160, and thereby an orientation of the control unit130relative to the adapter110.

The control circuit may use determination of the orientation of the control unit130relative to the faceplate160and the adapter110to determine which end of the array of LEDs146should correspond to a high-end intensity (e.g., approximately 100% intensity) and which end of the array of LEDs146should correspond to a low-end intensity (e.g., approximately 1% intensity), for example when displaying an indication of the amount of power delivered to an electrical load. The control unit130may be configured to, based on the determination of orientation, illuminate one or more of the LEDs146such that the high-end intensity corresponds to an upper end of the LED array and such that the low-end intensity corresponds to a lower end of the LED array. In this regard, the control unit130may ensure proper indication of the high-end and low-end intensities via the LEDs146regardless of whether the control unit130is mounted to the adapter110in the first orientation or the second orientation (e.g., based on whether the on position of the mechanical switch170corresponds to the actuator172operated to the up position or to the down position).

It should be appreciated that the control unit130is not limited to determining an orientation of the control unit130via the electrical contact pad158and shorting member166. For example, the control unit may alternatively include and/or receive orientation information from, for example, a switch that is manually operated to indicate orientation of the control unit, a gravity switch, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or the like to determine an orientation of the control unit. Alternatively still, an orientation of the control unit may be specified during a configuration process of the control unit, for instance when pairing the remote control device to load control system.

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 surface140. For example, the remote control device100may 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 device100may 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 U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0111491, published May 15, 2008, entitled “Radio-Frequency Lighting Control System,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The control unit130may include an occupancy sensor that may detect when a space in which the remote control device100is installed becomes occupied or vacant, and may include an occupancy circuit that is in electrical communication with the occupancy sensor and the control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit respective commands to one or more electrical loads in accordance with information (e.g., signals) received from the occupancy circuit.

The illustrated control unit130may be battery-powered. For example, as shown, the insert134may define a battery compartment137that is configured to retain a battery, for instance the illustrated coin cell battery180, such that the battery is placed in electrical communication with the flexible circuit board136, for instance to power the capacitive touch surface140, the control circuit, the wireless communication circuit, and/or other circuitry of the control unit130. Alternatively, the control unit130may be configured to derive power from a power source connected to the mechanical switch170, such as source of AC power for example. The faceplate160may be configured to store one or more spare batteries180, for example in a void defined between an inner surface of the faceplate160and the adapter110.

Referring now toFIGS.7A-7C, the adapter110, the control unit130, and/or the faceplate160may be configured so as to be staggered relative to a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch170is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch170is installed. For example, when the adapter is attached to the yoke174of the mechanical switch170and the control unit130and the faceplate160are attached to the adapter110, the rear surface163of the faceplate160may be spaced from the rear surface114of the adapter110that abuts a structural surface (e.g., wallboard surface) through a first distance D1such that the faceplate160is spaced from the structural surface. Additionally, the front surface161of the faceplate160may be spaced from the rear surface163of the faceplate160through a second distance D2, and the outer surface144of the control unit130is spaced from the front surface161of the faceplate160through a third distance D3. As shown, the first distance D1, the second distance D2, and the third distance D3may be substantially equal to each other. However it should be appreciated that one or more of the adapter110, the control unit130, and/or the faceplate160may be otherwise configured such that one or more of the first, second, and third distances D1, D2, D3are different from each other.

FIG.9depicts another example remote control device200that may be installed in a load control system, such as a lighting control system. The remote control device200may be installed, for example, in the above-described load control system that includes the mechanical switch170. As shown, the example remote control device200may include an adapter210, a control unit230, and a faceplate260. The control unit230and the faceplate260may be constructed identically to the control unit130and the faceplate160, respectively, of the remote control device100. The circuitry of the control unit230may be powered by a battery280, for example as shown inFIG.10C.

Prior to installation of the remote control device200, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) may be removed from the mechanical switch170, for instance by removing faceplate screws (not shown) from corresponding faceplate screw holes176in the yoke174. The adapter210may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The adapter210may be configured to be attached to the yoke174of the mechanical switch170. For example, the adapter210may be secured to the yoke174using fasteners, such as screws211that are installed into the faceplate screw holes176in the yoke174. As shown, the adapter210may define an opening212that extends therethrough. The opening212may be configured to receive a portion of the mechanical switch170that may include, for example, the actuator172and a bezel173that surrounds a perimeter of the actuator172. The adapter210may define a rear surface214that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch170is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch170is installed.

The adapter210may be configured to enable removable attachment of the control unit230to the adapter110. For example, the adapter210may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit230. As shown, the adapter210may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors216that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit230. The adapter210may be configured to enable removable attachment of the faceplate260to the adapter210. For example, the adapter210may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate260. As shown, the adapter210may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors218that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate260.

As shown in10A-10C, the adapter210may be configured to bias the rear surface214of the adapter210against a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch170is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch170is installed. For example, as shown, the adapter210defines a pair of resilient biasing members220that are configured to bias the rear surface214of the adapter210against the surface of the structure as the biasing members220are fastened to the yoke174of the mechanical switch170. Each biasing member220includes a plate222that is suspended from the adapter210by resilient spring arms224, such that the plate222is spaced outward relative to the rear surface214of the adapter210. Each plate222defines an aperture226that is configured to receive a corresponding one of the screws211. As the adapter210is attached to the yoke174of the mechanical switch170, the screws211may pull the plates222toward the surface of the structure, which may cause the spring arms224to bias the rear surface214of the adapter210against the surface of the structure. In this regard, the adapter210may operate to compensate for abnormalities in the surface of the structure, such as unevenness for example.

FIGS.11and12depict another example remote control device300that may be installed in a load control system, such as a lighting control system. The load control system may include a mechanical switch370that may be in place prior to installation of the remote control device300, for example pre-existing in the load control system. As shown, the mechanical switch370may be a standard single pole single throw (SPST) maintained switch. The load control system may further include one or more electrical loads, such as lighting loads. The mechanical switch370may be coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the one or more electrical loads. The mechanical switch370may include an actuator372that may be actuated to turn on and/or turn off, the one or more electrical loads. The mechanical switch370may include a yoke374that enables mounting of the mechanical switch370to a structure. For example, the yoke374may be fastened to a single-gang wallbox that is installed in an opening of a wall.

The load control system may further include a load control device that is electrically connected to the one or more electrical loads. The load control device may include a load control circuit for controlling the intensity of one or more of the electrical loads between a low end intensity (e.g., approximately 1%) and a high-end intensity (e.g., approximately 100%), 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 electrical loads. In another example implementation, each of the one more electrical loads may include a respective integrated load control circuit and wireless communication circuit, such that each electrical 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.

As shown, the example remote control device300may include an adapter310, a control unit330, and a faceplate360. The control unit330may be constructed identically to the control units130and230of the remote control devices100and200, respectively. The faceplate360may be constructed similarly to the faceplate160the remote control device100. For example, the faceplate may define a front surface361and an opposed rear surface363. However, the faceplate360may differ from the faceplate160in that the faceplate360may define a thicker side profile than the faceplate160, such that the front and rear surfaces361,363of the faceplate360are spaced further apart from each other than are the front and rear surfaces161,163of the faceplate160. The adapter310may be constructed similarly to the adapter110of the remote control device100. However, the adapter310may define a thicker side profile than the adapter110.

Prior to installation of the remote control device300, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) may be removed from the mechanical switch370, for instance by removing faceplate screws (not shown) from corresponding faceplate screw holes376in the yoke374. The adapter310may be configured to be attached to the yoke374of the mechanical switch170. For example, the adapter310may be secured to the yoke374using fasteners, such as screws311that are installed into the faceplate screw holes376in the yoke374. As shown, the adapter310may define an opening312that extends therethrough. The opening312may be configured to receive a portion of the mechanical switch370that may include, for example, the actuator372and a bezel373that surrounds a perimeter of the actuator372. The adapter310may define a rear surface314that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the mechanical switch370is installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanical switch370is installed.

The adapter310may be configured to enable removable attachment of the control unit330to the adapter310. For example, the adapter310may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit330. As shown, the adapter310may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors316that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit330. The adapter310may be configured to enable removable attachment of the faceplate360to the adapter310. For example, the adapter310may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate360. As shown, the adapter310may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors318that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate360.

FIGS.14and15depict another example remote control device400that may be installed in a load control system, such as a lighting control system. The remote control device400may be installed, for example, in the above-described load control system that includes the mechanical switch170, which may be referred to as a first mechanical switch, and that further includes a second electrical device, such as a second mechanical switch470. The first and second mechanical switches170,470may be installed, for example, in a multi-gang wallbox (e.g., a double-gang wallbox) that is installed in an opening of a wall. It should be appreciated that the second electrical device is not limited to a second mechanical switch. 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.

As shown, the example remote control device400may include an adapter410, a control unit430, and a faceplate460. The control unit430may be constructed identically to the control units130,230, and330of the example remote control devices100,200, and300, respectively. The adapter410and the faceplate460may be constructed similarly to the adapter110and the faceplate160, with the below-described differences in configuration for use in a double-gang implementation.

Prior to installation of the remote control device400, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) may be removed from the first and second mechanical switches170,470, for instance by removing faceplate screws (not shown) from corresponding faceplate screw holes176,476in the yokes174,474of the first and second mechanical switches170,470, respectively. The adapter410may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The adapter410may be configured to be attached to the yoke174of the first mechanical switch170and to the yoke474of the second mechanical switch470. For example, the adapter410may be secured to the yokes174,474using fasteners, such as screws111that are installed into the faceplate screw holes176,476of the yokes174,474.

As shown, the adapter410may define first and second openings412,413that extend therethrough. The first and second openings412,413may be configured to receive respective portions of the first and second mechanical switches170,470that may include, for example, the actuators172,472and corresponding bezels173,473that surround respective perimeters of the actuators172,472. The adapter410may define a rear surface414that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the first and second mechanical switches170,470are installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a double-gang wallbox in which the first and second mechanical switches170,470are installed.

As shown inFIG.16, the adapter410may be configured to enable removable attachment of the control unit430to the adapter410. For example, the adapter410may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit430. As shown, the adapter410may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors416that are configured to engage with complementary features of the control unit430. The illustrated adapter410is configured with snap fit connectors416such that the control unit430may be attached to the adapter over the first opening412or the second opening413. Alternatively, two control units could be attached to the adapter410, over the first and second openings412,413respectively. The adapter410may be configured to enable removable attachment of the faceplate460to the adapter410. For example, the adapter410may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate460. As shown, the adapter410may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors418that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate460.

The faceplate460may define a front surface461and an opposed rear surface463. The front surface461may alternatively be referred to as an outer surface of the faceplate460, and the rear surface463may alternatively be referred to as an inner surface of the faceplate460. As shown inFIG.17, the faceplate460may define respective first and second openings462,464therethrough that are configured to receive a portion of the control unit430, such that the control unit430protrudes proud of the faceplate460when the remote control device400is in an assembled configuration. As shown, the faceplate460may define recessed ledges465that are configured to engage with corresponding ones of the snap fit connectors418of the adapter410, to releasably attach the faceplate460to the adapter410. The faceplate460may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The faceplate460may include a first shorting member466that is located along a lower edge of the first opening462and a second shorting member466that is located along a lower edge of the second opening464. This may enable the control unit430to determine an orientation of the control unit430relative to the faceplate460, and thereby an orientation of the control unit430relative to the adapter410, whether the control unit430is installed over the first or second openings412,413of the adapter410.

FIG.18illustrates the adapter410with the control unit430attached thereto over the first opening412, and thus over the first mechanical switch170. Before installation of the remote control device400, an original installed position of the second mechanical switch470(e.g., with the yoke474screwed to the double-gang wallbox) may cause the actuator472and the bezel473of the second mechanical switch470to be recessed relative to the front surface461of the faceplate460. However, during attachment of the adapter410to the yoke474of the second mechanical switch470, screws475that secure the yoke474to the double-gang wallbox may be loosened. With the screws475loosened, the screws411that correspond to the second opening413may be tightened, which may draw the yoke474of the second mechanical switch470outward relative to the double-gang wallbox and toward a front surface of the adapter410. The process of loosening the screws475, followed by tightening the screws411, may be repeated until the yoke474of the second mechanical switch470is moved outward sufficiently such that the bezel473is substantially flush with, or protrudes proud of, the front surface461of the faceplate460when the faceplate460is attached to the adapter, for instance as shown inFIGS.19B and19C. In this regard, the adapter410may be configured to enable adjustment of the yokes174,474of the first and second mechanical switches170,470, respectively, toward and away from the double-gang wallbox, and toward or away from the front surface461of the faceplate460.

FIGS.21and22depict another example remote control device500that may be installed in a load control system, such as a lighting control system. The remote control device500may be installed, for example, in the above-described load control system that includes the mechanical switch370, which may be referred to as a first mechanical switch, and that further includes a second electrical device, such as a second mechanical switch570. The first and second mechanical switches370,570may be installed, for example, in a double-gang wallbox that is installed in an opening of a wall. It should be appreciated that the second electrical device is not limited to a second mechanical switch. For example, the second electrical device could alternatively be an electrical outlet, or another type of electrical device.

As shown, the example remote control device500may include an adapter510, a control unit530, a faceplate560, and one or more attachment members580. The control unit530may be constructed identically to the control units130,230,330, and430of the example remote control devices100,200,300, and400, respectively. A mounting frame assembly may be provided that includes, for example, the adapter510and one or more attachment members580.

As shown, the adapter510may define first and second openings512,513that extend therethrough. The adapter510may define a rear surface514that is configured to abut a surface of a structure to which the first and second mechanical switches370,570are installed, such as a wallboard surface that surrounds a double-gang wallbox in which the first and second mechanical switches370,570are installed. The adapter510may be configured to enable removable attachment of the faceplate560to the adapter510. For example, the adapter510may define one or more attachment members that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate560. As shown, the adapter510may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors518that are configured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate560. The adapter510may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic.

Referring now toFIGS.23A and23B, the attachment members580may be configured as attachment brackets582. As shown, each attachment bracket582may have a “U” shaped body that defines a plate584that is elongate between opposed ends, and a pair of legs586that extend perpendicular to the plate584from the ends thereof. The plate584of each attachment bracket582may define a first abutment surface581and an opposed second abutment surface583. The first and second abutment surfaces581,583may be referred to as yoke abutment surfaces. The plate584of each may define an aperture588that extends therethrough, and that is configured to receive a fastener, such as a screw589.

As shown, the legs586of each attachment bracket582may define one or more snap fit connectors590at free ends of the legs586. Additionally, each leg586of each attachment bracket582may define a resilient, deflectable cantilevered beam592that extends from the free end of the586toward the plate584. Each beam592may define a snap fit connector594at a free end thereof. The snap fit connectors590and594may enable releasable attachment of the attachment brackets582to the adapter510.

Referring now toFIG.24, the adapter510may be configured to enable installation of one or more attachment brackets582into the adapter510. For example, as shown, the first opening512of the adapter510defines three pairs of recesses516that extend into opposed sides of the first opening512, and the second opening513of the adapter510similarly defines three pairs of recesses516that extend into opposed sides of the second opening513. Each recess516may define an opening517that is configured to receive and engage with a complementary attachment feature of an attachment bracket582, such as the snap fit connectors590of an attachment bracket582or the snap fit connectors594of an attachment bracket582.

The illustrated configuration of the attachment brackets582may enable the attachment brackets582to be installed into the adapter510in respective first and second orientations. For example, as shown inFIG.25, a first pair of attachment brackets582are installed in the first opening512of the adapter510in accordance with the first installed orientation. When installed into an opening of the adapter510in the first orientation, the snap fit connectors594of an attachment bracket may be received in, and engage within, the openings517of corresponding recesses516of the opening. When installed in the first orientation, the plate584of an attachment bracket582may be disposed near the rear surface514of the adapter, with the first abutment surface581facing toward the first and second mechanical switches370,570and the second abutment surface583facing outward.

Further as shown inFIG.25, a second pair of attachment brackets582are installed in the second opening513of the adapter510in accordance with the second installed orientation. When installed into an opening of the adapter510in the second orientation, the snap fit connectors590of an attachment bracket may be received in, and engage within, the openings517of corresponding recesses516of the opening. When installed in the second orientation, the plate584of an attachment bracket582may be spaced from the rear surface514of the adapter, with the first abutment surface581facing outward and the second abutment surface583facing toward the first and second mechanical switches370,570.

The faceplate560may define a front surface561and an opposed rear surface563. The front surface561may alternatively be referred to as an outer surface of the faceplate560, and the rear surface563may alternatively be referred to as an inner surface of the faceplate560. As shown inFIG.22, the faceplate560may define respective a first opening562therethrough that is configured to receive a portion of the control unit530, such that the control unit530protrudes proud of the faceplate560when the remote control device500is in an assembled configuration, and may define a second opening564therethrough that is configured to receive at least a portion of the second mechanical switch570, such as the actuator572and the bezel573. In an alternative configuration of the faceplate560(not shown), the second opening may be configured similarly to the first opening562, and the faceplate560may further include a removable insert that snaps into the second opening564, and that defines a smaller opening therethrough that is configured to receive the actuator572and the bezel573of the second mechanical switch570.

The faceplate560may define recessed ledges (not shown), which may be configured similarly to the recessed465of the faceplate460, and that are configured to engage with corresponding ones of the snap fit connectors518of the adapter510, to releasably attach the faceplate560to the adapter510. The faceplate560may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The faceplate560may include a shorting member (not shown), which may be configured similarly to the shorting members466of the faceplate460, and that is located along a lower edge of the first opening562. This may enable the control unit530to determine an orientation of the control unit530relative to the faceplate560, and thereby an orientation of the control unit530relative to the adapter510.

Prior to installation of the remote control device500, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) may be removed from the first and second mechanical switches370,570, for instance by removing faceplate screws (not shown) from corresponding faceplate screw holes376,576in the yokes374,574of the first and second mechanical switches370,570, respectively. The adapter510may be configured to be attached to the yoke374of the first mechanical switch370and to the yoke574of the second mechanical switch570, for instance via the attachment brackets582. For example, the adapter510may be secured to the yokes374,574by driving the screws589of the attachment brackets582into the faceplate screw holes376,576of the yokes374,574.

FIGS.26A and26Billustrate the adapter510with the control unit530attached thereto over the first opening512, and thus over the first mechanical switch370. The control unit530may be attached to the adapter510by snapping the control unit530onto the snap fit connectors590of the attachment brackets582installed in the first opening512. Before installation of the remote control device500, an original installed position of the second mechanical switch570(e.g., with the yoke574screwed to the double-gang wallbox) may cause the actuator572and the bezel573of the second mechanical switch570to be recessed relative to the front surface561of the faceplate560. However, during attachment of the adapter510to the yoke574of the second mechanical switch570, screws575that secure the yoke574to the double-gang wallbox may be loosened. With the screws575loosened, the screws589of the attachment brackets582that are installed in the second opening513of the adapter510may be tightened, which may draw the yoke574of the second mechanical switch570outward relative to the double-gang wallbox and toward a front surface of the adapter510. The process of loosening the screws575, followed by tightening the screws589, may be repeated until the yoke574of the second mechanical switch570is moved outward sufficiently such that the bezel573is substantially flush with, or protrudes proud of, the front surface561of the faceplate560when the faceplate560is attached to the adapter, for instance as shown inFIGS.27B and27C. In this regard, the adapter510may be configured to enable adjustment of the yokes374,574of the first and second mechanical switches370,570, respectively, toward and away from the double-gang wallbox, and toward or away from the front surface561of the faceplate560.

It should be appreciated that the example remote control devices100,200,300,400, and500illustrated and described herein may 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 devices100,200,300,400, or500may 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.

It should further be appreciated that load control systems into which the example remote control devices100,200,300,400, and500may be integrated are not limited to the example load control devices and/or electrical loads described above. For example, load control systems into which the remote control devices100,200,300,400, and500may be integrated may include one or more of: a dimming ballast for driving a gas-discharge lamp; a light-emitting diode (LED) driver for driving an LED light source; a dimming circuit for controlling the intensity of a lighting load; a screw-in luminaire including a dimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaire including a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaire including an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning an appliance on and off; a plug-in load control device, controllable electrical receptacle, or controllable power strip for controlling one or more plug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling a motorized window treatment or a projection screen; one or more motorized interior and/or exterior shutters; a thermostat for a heating and/or cooling system; a temperature control device for controlling a setpoint temperature of a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heater controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; hydraulic valves for use in one or more radiators of a radiant heating system; a humidity control unit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; a boiler controller; a pool pump; a refrigerator; a freezer; a television and/or computer monitor; a video camera; an audio system or amplifier; an elevator; a power supply; a generator; an electric charger, such as an electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and the like.