Load control device with mechanically controllable actuator
By combining an analog intensity adjustment actuator and a communication circuit, advanced characteristic control of the electrical load is achieved, solving the flexibility and remote control problems of traditional devices, and providing a flexible adjustment and feedback mechanism for light intensity and color.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480024394.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-03
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-07
AI Technical Summary
Traditional wall-based load control devices struggle to achieve advanced control over electrical load characteristics, such as flexible adjustment of light intensity and color, and lack remote control and feedback mechanisms.
A control device including an analog intensity adjustment actuator and a communication circuit is designed, which can manually or remotely control the intensity level of an electrical load, and realize the position adjustment of a slider knob or a rotary knob through a motor and gear assembly. It provides feedback by combining a linear potentiometer and a rotary potentiometer, and supports wireless communication to receive and execute control commands.
It enables advanced feature control of electrical loads, including flexible adjustment of light intensity and color, provides flexibility for local and remote control, and enhances the user experience through visible indicators and wireless communication.
Smart Images

Figure CN120917876A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 443,192, filed February 3, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND
[0002] A load control system can include one or more electrical loads that a user can wish to control via a single load control device. These electrical loads can include, for example, lighting loads, HVAC units, motorized window treatments or projection screens, humidity control units, audio systems or amplifiers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc. Electrical loads can have advanced features. For example, a lighting load can be controlled to emit light of different intensities and / or colors in response to user commands. The amount of power delivered to an electrical load can be adjusted to an absolute level or adjusted by a relative amount.
[0003] Conventional wall-based control devices (e.g., wallbox dimmers) can allow a user to adjust the intensity level of one or more lighting loads by moving an analog intensity actuator (e.g., a slider control or a rotary knob) or actuating a digital intensity actuator (e.g., an intensity up and an intensity down actuator). These conventional wall-based control devices can also provide feedback to the user of the intensity level of the load. For control devices with digital intensity actuators, the control device can include feedback that indicates the intensity level of the lighting load. For control devices with analog intensity actuators, the feedback conventionally indicates both the intensity level of the lighting load and the position of the analog intensity actuator. SUMMARY
[0004] A control device for controlling an electrical load (e.g., a lighting load) can be provided. The control device can include an analog intensity adjustment actuator configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by the lighting load. The control device can include a communication circuit configured to receive a message from a remote device. The message can include a commanded intensity level for controlling the lighting load. The control device can include an actuator adjustment system configured to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The control device can include a control circuit configured to control an amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The control circuit can be further configured to control the actuator adjustment system to adjust the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator in response to the message received from the remote device via the communication circuit. The position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator can be adjusted to indicate the commanded intensity level.
[0005] The analog intensity adjustment actuator can include a slider knob configured to move within an elongated slot. A position of the slider knob within the elongated slot can indicate a commanded intensity level. The slider knob can be configured to move linearly within the elongated slot between a low end position associated with a low end intensity level and a high end position associated with a high end intensity level. The actuator adjustment system can include a motor and a gear assembly coupled to the motor. The gear assembly can be operatively coupled to the slider knob such that rotation of the motor is translated to linear movement of the slider knob. The gear assembly can include a circular gear that engages a linear gear such that rotation of the circular gear is translated to linear movement of the linear gear. The control device can include a linear potentiometer having a shaft coupled to the slider knob. The gear assembly can be operatively coupled to the slider knob via the shaft of the linear potentiometer. The linear gear can include a coupling portion configured to receive the shaft of the potentiometer such that the linear potentiometer moves linearly with the linear gear. The coupling portion can define an opening configured to encircle the shaft of the linear potentiometer. The potentiometer can be configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage representative of the commanded intensity level.
[0006] The slider knob can move in an upward direction when the motor rotates in a first angular direction and the slider knob can move in a downward direction when the motor rotates in a second angular direction. The linear gear can include a plurality of teeth arranged in a linear array on a rack plate. The rack plate can include a fin configured to maintain alignment between the circular gear and the linear gear. The fin can be configured to move along a channel in a carriage of the control device. The carriage can be configured to secure a printed circuit board of the control device to a yoke of the control device.
[0007] The analog intensity adjustment actuator can include a rotary knob configured to rotate relative to a collar of the control device. The rotary knob can include an indicator configured to indicate a commanded intensity level of the lighting load. The rotary knob can be characterized by a non-continuous rotation having a high end stop point and a low end stop point. The indicator of the rotary knob can be in a first position when the rotary knob is at the low end stop point and the indicator of the rotary knob can be in a second position when the rotary knob is at the high end stop point. The first position can be spaced from the second position by up to approximately 360 degrees of rotation of the rotary knob. The first position indicates a minimum intensity level and the second position indicates a maximum intensity level. A gear assembly can be operatively coupled to the rotary knob such that rotation of the motor is translated to rotational movement of the rotary knob. The control device can include a rotary potentiometer having a shaft coupled to the rotary knob. The gear assembly can be operatively coupled to the rotary knob via the rotary potentiometer. The rotary knob can rotate clockwise when the motor rotates in a first angular direction and the rotary knob can rotate counterclockwise when the motor rotates in a second angular direction.
[0008] The control circuit can be further configured to illuminate the elongated slot of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The analog intensity adjustment actuator can be configured to control a potentiometer. The control device can include a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and a lighting load. The message can include a command to control the lighting load. The control circuit can be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The control circuit can be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to receiving the message from the remote device. The control circuit can be configured to send a message including a command to control the lighting load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The control device can include an actuating member configured to pivot in response to actuation of an upper portion of the actuating member or a lower portion of the actuating member. The control circuit can be configured to turn the electrical load on in response to actuation of the upper portion of the actuating member. The control circuit can be configured to turn the electrical load off in response to actuation of the lower portion of the actuating member. The actuating member can be configured to return to an idle position when the upper portion or the lower portion of the actuating member is released. The actuating member can include one or more biasing arms configured to hold the actuating member in the idle position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 An example load control system including one or more example control devices is depicted.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example control device that can be deployed as FIG. 1 a wall-mounted load control device, a retrofit remote control device, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device of the load control system shown in
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a faceplate-less example control device that can be deployed as FIG. 1 a wall-mounted load control device of the load control system shown in
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of the control device of FIG. 3
[0013] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the control device of FIG. 3
[0014] FIG. 7 is a view through a slider slot in a bezel of the control device of FIG. 3 FIG. 4 right side cross-sectional view taken through the center of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 15B) of the control device of FIG. 15A.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a bottom cross-sectional view taken through the center of the motor of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 16B) of the control device of FIG. 16A. FIG. 3 FIG. 10 is a right side cross-sectional view taken through the center of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 17B) of the control device of FIG. 17A.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a bottom cross-sectional view taken through the center of the potentiometer of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 18B) of the control device of FIG. 18A. FIG. 3 FIG. 14 is a right side cross-sectional view taken through the center of the gear assembly of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 19B) of the control device of FIG. 19A.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a bottom cross-sectional view taken through the center of the drive shaft of the motor of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 20B) of the control device of FIG. 20A. FIG. 3 FIG. 7 is a bottom cross-sectional view taken through the center of the drive shaft of the motor of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 21B) of the control device of FIG. 21A.
[0018] FIG. 11 FIG. 3 is a bottom cross-sectional view taken through the center of the drive shaft of the motor of the control device (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 22B) of the control device of FIG. 22A. FIG. 14
[0019] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the control device of FIG. 23A, with the housing, printed circuit board, and potentiometer removed to show the actuator adjustment system in more detail. FIG. 13 FIG. 3 is a rear view of the control device of FIG. 24A, with the housing, printed circuit board, and potentiometer removed.
[0020] FIG. 14 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example control device that can be deployed as a wall-mounted load control device, a retrofit remote control device, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device of the load control system shown in FIG. 25.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the control device of FIG. 26A, with the housing and printed circuit board of the control device removed to show the actuator adjustment system in more detail. FIG. 1
[0022] is a rear view of the control device of FIG. 27A, with the housing and printed circuit board removed. FIG. 16 FIG. 17 FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the control device of FIG. 28A, with the housing and printed circuit board of the control device removed to show the actuator adjustment system in more detail.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the control device of FIG. 29A, with the housing and printed circuit board removed. FIG. 15
[0024] is a rear perspective view of the control device of FIG. 30A, with the housing and printed circuit board of the control device removed to show the actuator adjustment system in more detail. FIG. 19 FIG. 20 is a front view of the control device of FIG. 15
[0025] FIG. 21 is a left side cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 15 FIG. 18
[0026] FIG. 22 is a right side cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 15 FIG. 18
[0027] FIG. 23 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 15 FIG. 18
[0028] FIG. 24A to FIG. 24E is a left side cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 15 FIG. 18
[0029] FIG. 25A to FIG. 25E is a left side cross-sectional view of the control device of FIG. 15 FIG. 18
[0030] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example control device that can be deployed as a wall-mounted load control device, a retrofit remote control device, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device of the load control system shown in FIG. 1
[0031] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another example control device that can be deployed as a wall-mounted load control device, a retrofit remote control device, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device of the load control system shown in FIG. 1
[0032] FIG. 28 is a front view of the control device of FIG. 27
[0033] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the control device of FIG. 27
[0034] FIG. 30 isFIG. 27 The control device passes through the center of the control device (e.g., through...). FIG. 28 The right-side cross-section is shown by the line shown in the diagram.
[0035] FIG. 31A to FIG. 31E yes FIG. 27 The control device passes through the center of the control device (e.g., through...). FIG. 28 The left-hand cross-sectional view (shown by the line shown) illustrates the adjustment of the actuating member from the off position to the on position.
[0036] FIG. 32A to FIG. 32E yes FIG. 27 The control device passes through the center of the control device (e.g., through...). FIG. 28 The left-hand cross-sectional view (shown by the line shown) illustrates the adjustment of the actuating component from the on position to the off position.
[0037] FIG. 33 This is a perspective view of an example control unit that can be deployed as follows: FIG. 1 The load control system shown is a wall-mounted load control device.
[0038] FIG. 34 yes FIG. 33 Front view of the control device.
[0039] FIG. 35 yes FIG. 33 A perspective view of the control unit, in which the rotary knob has been removed.
[0040] FIG. 36 yes FIG. 33 The control device passes through the center of the control device (e.g., through...). FIG. 34 The right-side cross-section is shown by the line shown.
[0041] FIG. 37 This is a block diagram of an example control device that can be deployed as follows: FIG. 1 to FIG. 36 The control device.
[0042] FIG. 38A to FIG. 38E This is a block diagram of an example control device that can be deployed as follows: FIG. 1 to FIG. 36 One or more of the control devices.
[0043] FIG. 39 It is used to operate in response to receiving a message from an external device. FIG. 1 to FIG. 38E A flowchart of an example process for one or more of the control devices shown.
[0044] FIG. 40 It is used to operate in response to receiving a message from an external device. FIG. 1 to FIG. 38Ea flowchart of another example process of one or more of the control devices shown in FIG. 1.
[0045] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of another example process of one or more of the control devices shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 to FIG. 38E a flowchart of another example process of one or more of the control devices shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example load control system. As shown, the load control system is configured as a lighting control system 100 for controlling one or more lighting loads, such as a lighting load 102 installed in a recessed downlight fixture 103 and a controllable lighting load 104 installed in a table lamp 105. FIG. 1 The lighting loads 102, 104 shown in FIG. 1 can include different types of light sources (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent, and / or LED light sources). The lighting loads can have advanced features. For example, the lighting loads can be controlled to emit light of different intensities and / or colors in response to user commands. The amount of power delivered to the lighting loads can be adjusted to an absolute level or adjusted by a relative amount. The lighting control system 100 can be configured to control one or more of the lighting loads (e.g., and / or other electrical loads) according to one or more configurable presets or scenes. For example, the presets or scenes can correspond to predefined light intensities and / or colors, predefined entertainment settings (such as music selection and / or volume settings), predefined window covering settings (such as positions of shades), predefined environmental settings (such as HVAC settings), or any combination thereof. The presets or scenes can correspond to one or more particular electrical loads (e.g., a bed lamp, a ceiling light, etc.) and / or one or more particular locations (e.g., a room, an entire house, etc.).
[0047] The lighting load 102 can be an example of a lighting load that is wired into a power control and / or delivery path of the lighting control system 100. As such, the lighting load 102 can be controlled by a wall-mounted control device, such as a dimmer switch. The lighting load 104 can be an example of a lighting load that is equipped with integral load control circuitry and / or wireless communication capabilities, such that the lighting load can be controlled via a wireless control mechanism (e.g., by a remote control device).
[0048] The lighting control system 100 can comprise one or more control devices for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 (e.g., controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting loads). The lighting loads 102, 104 can be controlled substantially uniformly, or individually. For example, the lighting loads can be zoned such that the lighting loads 102 can be controlled by a first control device, while the lighting loads 104 can be controlled by a second control device. The control devices can be configured to turn the lighting loads 102, 104 on and off. The control devices can be configured to control the magnitude of the load current conducted through the lighting loads (e.g., in order to control the intensity level of the lighting loads 102, 104 between a low-end intensity level L LE and a high-end intensity level L HE . The control devices can be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting loads to an absolute level (e.g., a maximum allowable amount), or a relative amount (e.g., increase by 10% from a current level). The control devices can be configured to control the color of the lighting loads 102, 104 (e.g., by controlling the color temperature of the lighting loads or by applying full color control to the lighting loads).
[0049] The control devices can be configured to activate a preset associated with the lighting loads 102, 104. The preset can be associated with one or more predetermined settings of the lighting loads, such as an intensity level of the lighting loads and / or a color of the lighting loads. The preset can be configured via the control devices and / or via an external device (e.g., a mobile device) through a wireless communication circuit of the control devices. The control devices can be configured to activate control of a zone. The zone can correspond to one or more electrical loads configured to be controlled by the control devices. The zone can be associated with a particular location (e.g., a living room) or multiple locations (e.g., an entire house with multiple rooms and hallways). The control devices can be configured to switch between different operating modes. The operating modes can be associated with controlling different types of electrical loads or different operating aspects of one or more electrical loads. Examples of operating modes can include a lighting control mode for controlling one or more lighting loads (e.g., which can in turn include a color control mode and an intensity control mode), an entertainment system control mode (e.g., for controlling music selection and / or volume of an audio system), an HVAC system control mode, a winter window treatment control mode (e.g., for controlling one or more shades), etc.
[0050] One or more characteristics of the control device and / or lighting loads 102, 104 described herein can be customized via an advanced programming mode (APM). Such characteristics may include, for example, intensity levels associated with presets, fading / diminishing times, enabling / disabling of visible indicators, low-end trimming (e.g., the minimum intensity level that lighting loads 102, 104 can be set to by the control device), high-end trimming (e.g., the maximum intensity level that lighting loads 102, 104 can be set to by the control device), etc. An example of an advanced programming mode for a wall-mounted load control device can be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,190,125, entitled PROGRAMMABLEWALLBOX DIMMER, published March 13, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The control device can be manipulated in various ways to enter the advanced programming mode. For example, the control device can be moved to the advanced programming mode by pressing and holding or double-clicking on the front area of the control device. The methods for activating the advanced programming mode of the control device will be described in more detail below.
[0051] The control device described herein may be, for example, a wall-mounted load control device 110 (e.g., a dimmer switch and / or an electronic switch), a modified remote control device 112, a wall-mounted remote control device 114, a desktop remote control device 116, and / or a handheld remote control device 118, such as... FIG. 1 As shown in the diagram, the wall-mounted load control unit 110 can be configured to be installed in a standard electrical box (e.g., via a yoke) and coupled in series with an AC power supply 105 and a lighting load in a control path wired to the wall-mounted load control unit 110 (e.g., a lighting load 102). The wall-mounted load control unit 110 can receive the AC mains voltage V from the AC power supply 105. ACAnd the wall-mounted load control device 110 can generate control signals for controlling the lighting load 102. The control signals can be generated via various phase control techniques (e.g., forward phase control dimming techniques or reverse phase control dimming techniques). The wall-mounted load control device 110 can be configured to receive wireless signals representing commands to control the lighting load 102 (e.g., from a remote control device) and generate corresponding control signals for executing the commands. Examples of wall-mounted dimmer switches are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,664,881, issued March 4, 2014, entitled TWO-WIRE DIMMER SWITCH FOR LOW-POWER LOADS, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0382120, published December 3, 2020, entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A CAPACITIVE TOUCH SURFACE, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0052] The retrofit remote control device 112 can be configured to be installed to a mechanical switch (e.g., toggle switch 122) that can pre-exist in the lighting control system 100. Such retrofitting schemes can provide energy savings and / or advanced control features, e.g., without requiring extensive electrical rewiring and / or without requiring replacement of existing mechanical switches. For example, a consumer can replace an existing light with a controllable lighting load 104, switch a toggle switch 122 coupled to the lighting load 104 to an on position, fit (e.g., install) the remote control device 112 to the toggle switch 122, and associate the remote control device 112 with the light source 104. The retrofit remote control 112 can then be used to perform advanced functions that the toggle switch 122 can not be able to perform (e.g., such as dimming the intensity level of the light output, changing the color of the light output, providing feedback to a user, etc.). As shown, the toggle switch 122 is coupled (e.g., via a series electrical connection) between the AC power source 105 and an electrical outlet 120 into which the lighting load 104 can be plugged (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A). Alternatively, the toggle switch 122 can be coupled between the AC power source 105 and one or more of the lighting loads 102, 104 without the electrical outlet 120. FIG. 1
[0053] The wall-mounted remote control device 114 can be configured to mount to a standard electrical wall box and electrically connect to the AC power source 105 for receiving power. The wall-mounted remote control device 114 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit control signals (e.g., control data such as digital messages) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. The table-top remote control device 116 can be configured to rest on a surface (e.g., an end table or night stand) and can be powered by a direct current (DC) power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power supply plugged into an electrical outlet). The table-top remote control device 116 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit signals (e.g., digital messages) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. The handheld remote control device 118 can be sized to fit in a user's hand and can be powered by a direct current (DC) power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power supply plugged into an electrical outlet). The handheld remote control device 118 can be configured to receive user input and can generate and transmit signals (e.g., digital messages) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. Examples of battery-powered remote controls are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,330,638, issued December 11, 2012, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY POWERED REMOTE CONTROL HAVING MULTIPLE MOUNTING MEANS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0054] It will be appreciated that while lighting control systems having one or more lighting loads are provided herein as examples, the load control systems described herein can include more or fewer lighting loads, other types of lighting loads, and / or other types of electrical loads that can be configured to be controlled by one or more control devices described herein. That is, the control devices are not limited to controlling only lighting loads. For example, the load control systems can include one or more of the following and the control devices can be configured to control one or more of the following: a dimming ballast for driving a gas discharge lamp; an LED driver for driving an LED light source; a dimming circuit for controlling an intensity level of a lighting load; a screw-in light fixture including a dimmer circuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in light fixture including a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in light fixture including an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch, controllable breaker, or other switching device for switching an electrical appliance on and off; a plug-in control device, controllable electrical outlet, 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 projection screen; one or more motorized interior and / or exterior blinds; a thermostat for a heating and / or cooling system; a temperature control device for controlling a set point temperature of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric foot warmer controller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; a fresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; one or more hydraulic valves for use in a radiator and 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; a charger such as an electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and the like.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an example control device 200 that can be deployed as a wall-mounted load control device 110, a retrofit remote control device 112, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device 114 in the lighting control system 100. The control device 200 can include a user interface 202 and a faceplate 204. The control device 200 can be configured to control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load. For example, the electrical load can include a lighting load, and the control device 200 can be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load to control a present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load. The control device 200 can be configured to turn the lighting load on or off or adjust the intensity level of the lighting load by controlling an internal load control circuit (e.g., a controllably conductive device of the control device 200) and / or by sending a message for controlling the lighting load via a communication circuit (e.g., via one or more wireless signals such as radio frequency (RF) signals).
[0056] The control device 200 may include an air gap actuator 219 configured to open and close an air gap switch (not shown) suitable for series electrical coupling (e.g., substantially direct electrical coupling) between a power source (e.g., AC power) and a lighting load. The air gap switch may be disconnected in response to pulling the air gap switch actuator 219 out of the control device 200 to provide an actual air gap barrier between the power source and the lighting load, thereby facilitating maintenance of the lighting load.
[0057] The user interface 202 of the control device 200 may include an actuating member 210 configured to be received in an opening in the front surface 211 of the frame 212 (e.g., the base portion) of the control device 200. The actuating member 210 may include a front surface 214 comprising an upper portion 216 and a lower portion 218. The actuating member 210 may be configured to remain stationary in an idle position (e.g., a centered position) when not actuated. FIG. 2 (As shown in the diagram). Actuating member 210 may be configured to pivot about pivot axis 213 (e.g., central axis) in response to actuation of upper portion 216 or lower portion 218. Actuating member 210 may be a return-to-idle (e.g., return-to-center) actuator. For example, upper portion 216 of actuating member 210 may be configured to press toward control device 200 during actuation of upper portion 216 (e.g., for actuating a first internal momentary tactile switch within control device 200), and may be configured to return to an idle position when upper portion 216 of actuating member 210 is released. Additionally, lower portion 218 of actuating member 210 may be configured to press toward control device 200 during actuation of lower portion 218 (e.g., for actuating a second internal momentary tactile switch within control device 200), and may be configured to return to an idle position when lower portion 218 of actuating member 210 is released.
[0058] The control device 200 can be configured to control the lighting load of the lighting control system 100 to turn on the lighting load in response to actuation of the upper portion 216, and to turn off the lighting load in response to actuation of the lower portion 218 (or The same applies in reverse). For example, the control device 200 can include a controllable conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and a lighting load. The control device 200 can be configured to control an amount of power delivered to the lighting load (e.g., to turn the lighting load on and off) in response to actuation of the actuation member 210. For example, the control device 200 can control the controllable conductive device to turn the lighting load on (e.g., connect the AC power source to the lighting load) in response to actuation of the upper portion 216 of the actuation member 210 and to turn the lighting load off (e.g., disconnect the AC power source from the lighting load) in response to actuation of the lower portion 218 of the actuation member 210.
[0059] The control device 200 can include an analog adjustment actuator configured to provide local control commands for the lighting load to control a characteristic of the lighting load (e.g., an intensity level and / or a color of the lighting load, a speed of a motor, etc.), and a position of a movable component of the analog adjustment actuator can be indicative of a value of the characteristic of the lighting load via the local control. The control device 200 is primarily described with reference to intensity control of the lighting load, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 200 can include an analog intensity adjustment actuator to provide local control commands for the lighting load. The analog intensity adjustment actuator can include a movable component, such as a slider knob or a rotary knob, and a position of the movable component (e.g., a position of the slider knob along a length of a slider slot or a rotational position of the rotary knob) can be indicative of a commanded intensity level L CMD of the lighting load (e.g., via the local control). For example, the analog intensity adjustment actuator can be configured to adjust a variable characteristic, such as a resistance, that can vary based on the position of the movable component. In other words, the analog intensity adjustment actuator can include a movable component that is movable about a bezel 212 of the control device 200, and a position of the movable component (e.g., relative to the bezel 212) can be indicative of a commanded intensity level L CMD of the lighting load (e.g., via the local control). In some examples, the analog intensity adjustment actuator can include a potentiometer (e.g., as an analog circuit and / or a digital potentiometer circuit). For example, the analog intensity adjustment actuator can include an intensity adjustment actuator commonly used in analog dimmer switches (e.g., dimmer switches that do not include microprocessors, but allow for intensity adjustment), for example, even though the control device 200 can include control circuitry (e.g., as described herein).
[0060] As FIG. 2As shown, the analog intensity adjustment actuator may include a slider actuator 220 having a slider knob 222 configured to move along an elongated slot (such as slider slot 224) (e.g., within the elongated slot). Slider slot 224 may be an elongated opening in the frame 212 of the control device 200. For example, slider slot 224 may be positioned adjacent to actuating member 210. The control device 200 may be configured to control the amplitude of the load current conducted through the lighting load (e.g., and thus the current intensity level L of the lighting load) in response to movement of slider knob 222 along slider slot 224. PRES Therefore, the control device 200 can be configured to adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load in response to actuation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., movement of the slider knob 222 along the slider slot 224). PRES From the initial intensity level L INIT Adjust to the commanded intensity level L CMD Initial intensity level L INIT It can be the intensity level of the lighting load before actuation, and the commanded intensity level L. CMD The position of the slider knob 222 along the slider slot 224 can be determined in response to user actuation. Thus, the control device 200 can receive local control commands for the lighting load in response to user actuation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The position of the slider knob 222 along the length of the slider slot 224 can indicate (e.g., via local control) the relative intensity of the lighting load (e.g., the commanded intensity level L). CMD ).
[0061] For example, when the lighting load is turned on, the control device 200 can control the current intensity level L of the lighting load in response to the movement of the slider knob 222 along the slider slot 224. PRES When the lighting load is turned off, the control device 200 can adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load without responding to the movement of the slider knob 222. PRES However, when the lighting load is turned off and the upper portion 216 of the actuating member 210 is actuated, the control device 200 can turn on the lighting load to an intensity level determined based on the position of the slider knob 222 along the slider slot 224.
[0062] Control device 200 may include a potentiometer that can be adjusted in response to user input provided to slider knob 222 to adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load. PRES For example, a potentiometer can generate a desired intensity level representing the lighting load (e.g., the commanded intensity level L). CMDa direct current (DC) voltage of the control device 200. In some examples, the potentiometer can provide a variable resistance based on a position of the slider knob 222 along the slider slot 224. For example, the potentiometer can be coupled to the intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., the slider knob 222), such as described in greater detail herein. The slider knob 222 can allow a user to adjust a current intensity level L PRES from a low end intensity level L LE to a high end intensity level L HE Alternatively, in some examples, the control device 200 can include a linear encoder, a combination of a slider and a resistive trace on a printed circuit board of the control device 200, a mechanical or magnetic encoder, or the like, in place of the potentiometer.
[0063] The slider knob 222 can be configured to move in a linear direction (such as a vertical direction) along the slider slot 224 between a low end position 226 (e.g., where the slider knob 222 is positioned at a bottom of the slider slot 224) and a high end position 228 (e.g., where the slider knob 222 is positioned at a top of the slider slot 224). The slider knob 222 can allow a current intensity level L PRES from a low end intensity level L LE (e.g., when the slider knob 222 is positioned in the low end position 226) to a high end intensity level L HE (e.g., when the slider knob 222 is positioned in the high end position 228). Thus, the slider knob 222 can be configured to move in the vertical direction along a length of the slider slot 224 of the bezel 212, and the bezel 212 can be configured to be received in the opening of the faceplate 204. Although primarily described in the context of a slider actuator 220 that moves or slides along the slider slot 224 (e.g., moves continuously along the slider slot 224), in other examples, the control device 200 can include a slider actuator that moves in discrete increments (e.g., steps) along the slider slot 224.
[0064] The user interface 202 of the control device 200 can include a visible display, such as a lit surface 229. For example, the lit surface 229 of the user interface 202 can extend for a length of the slider slot 224. The lit surface 229 of the user interface 202 can be lit to provide a nightlight feature, such as when the lighting load is turned off. Additionally, the control device 200 can include an internal actuator adjustment system (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below) for allowing a control circuit of the control device 200 to adjust a position of the slider knob 222 along the length of the slider slot 224.
[0065] Although shown and described as being configured to move in a vertical direction, in some examples, the slider knob 222 can be configured to move in a horizontal direction. In such cases, the slider slot 224 can be located in the bezel 212 above or below (e.g., or within) the actuation member 210 along the horizontal direction. Further, in such cases, the low end position can be toward the left-most side of the slider slot 224, and the high end position can be toward the right-most side of the slider slot 224. Further, in some examples, the analog intensity adjustment actuator can include a rotary knob (e.g., a non-continuously rotatable rotary knob) configured to be rotatable relative to the bezel 212 to provide local control commands for the lighting load. For example, the rotary knob can be characterized by a non-continuous rotation between a high end stop point (e.g., associated with a high end intensity level L HE of the lighting load) and a low end stop point (e.g., associated with a low end intensity level L LE of the lighting load).
[0066] The control device 200 can include a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit can include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit can also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. The wireless communication circuit can be configured to transmit messages (e.g., digital messages) via one or more wireless signals (e.g., RF signals). The messages can include control data (e.g., one or more commands) generated by the control circuit for controlling a lighting load. The wireless communication circuit can be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via the wireless communication circuit from one or more remote control devices (e.g., retrofit remote control device 112, wall-mounted remote control device 114, table-top remote control device 116, handheld remote control device 118, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a computer, etc.) of a load control system. The messages can include a command to turn on a lighting load controlled by the control device 200 or a command to turn off the lighting load. Additionally, the messages can include a command to adjust a present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load controlled by the control device 200 from an initial intensity level L INIT of the lighting load to a commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the message (e.g., the message can include the commanded intensity level L CMDCommands. Wireless communication circuitry (e.g., in addition to local control provided via actuation member 210 and slider actuator 220) can also enable control device 200 to receive commands for remotely controlling the lighting load. For example, control device 200 may be configured to associate with one or more remote control devices of the load control system during an association process.
[0067] In response to receiving a message from a remote device, the control device 200 can control the lighting load to the commanded intensity level L indicated by the command in the message (e.g., a remote control command). CMD The remote device can include, for example, any combination of a modified remote control device 112, a wall-mounted remote control device 114, a desktop remote control device 116, a handheld remote control device 118, a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. The control device 200 can be configured to update the position of the slider knob 222 when the lighting load is remotely controlled. For example, in response to receiving a message from the remote device, the control device 200 can adjust the position of the slider knob 222 to correspond to the commanded intensity level L indicated by the command in the message. CMD The location. Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 200 can be configured to respond to the commanded intensity level L indicated by the command in the message. CMD This causes the position of the slider knob 222 to be adjusted along the length of the slider slot 224 (e.g., using an internal actuator adjustment system). The position of the slider knob 222 along the length of the slider slot 224 can indicate (e.g., via local and remote control) the commanded intensity level L of the lighting load. CMD Current intensity level L of lighting load PRES It can be synchronized with the position of the slider knob 222 along the slider slot 224 in response to both local and remote control (e.g., the position of the slider knob 222 along the length of the slider slot 224 can indicate the current intensity level L of the lighting load). PRES ).
[0068] FIG. 3 to FIG. 14 An example control device 300 is depicted, which can be deployed as FIG. 1 The wall-mounted load control device 110, the modified remote control device 112, and / or the wall-mounted remote control device 114 are shown in the lighting control system 100. FIG. 3 It is a perspective view of the control device 300, and FIG. 4This is a front view of control device 300. Control device 300 can be an example of control device 200. Control device 300 can be configured to be mounted in an electrical enclosure having a panel (e.g., panel 204). Control device 300 may include a user interface 302 (e.g., user interface 202) configured to be received in an opening in the panel. Control device 300 can be configured to control the electrical force delivered to an electrical load (such as a lighting load). Control device 300 can be configured to control the lighting load, such as turning the lighting load on or off (e.g., in response to actuation of an actuating member) and / or adjusting the current intensity level L of the lighting load. PRES For example, control device 300 can control the lighting load by controlling internal load control circuitry and / or by sending messages for controlling the lighting load via communication circuitry (e.g., sending wireless signals via wireless communication circuitry). When control device 300 is a wall-mounted load control device (such as a wall-mounted dimmer switch), control device 300 may include a housing 330 for accommodating the load control circuitry system of the dimmer switch. For example, when the lighting load is controlled remotely and / or locally, control device 300 may be configured to indicate the current intensity level L of the lighting load. PRES .
[0069] The user interface 302 of the control device 300 may include an actuating member 310 configured to be operatively attached (e.g., mounted) to a base portion (e.g., a frame 312) of the control device 300. The actuating member 310 may be received in an opening in the front surface 311 of the frame 312. The actuating member 310 may include a front surface 314 comprising an upper portion 316 and a lower portion 318. The actuating member 310 may be configured to remain stationary in an idle position when not actuated (e.g., as shown in the image). FIG. 3 (As shown in the diagram). The actuating member 310 may be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 313 (e.g., a central axis) in response to actuation of the upper portion 316 or the lower portion 318. The actuating member 310 may be a return-to-idle (e.g., return-to-center) actuator. For example, the upper portion 316 of the actuating member 310 may be configured to be pressed toward the control device 300 during actuation of the upper portion 316, and may be configured to return to an idle position when the upper portion 316 of the actuating member 310 is released. Additionally, the lower portion 318 of the actuating member 310 may be configured to be pressed toward the control device 300 during actuation of the lower portion 318, and may be configured to return to an idle position when the lower portion 318 of the actuating member 310 is released.
[0070] The control device 300 can be configured to turn on the lighting load in response to actuation of the upper portion 316, and to turn off the lighting load in response to actuation of the lower portion 318 (or The same applies in reverseFor example, control device 300 may include a controllable conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an alternating current (AC) power source and a lighting load. Control device 300 may be configured to control the electrical force delivered from the AC power source to the lighting load (e.g., to turn the lighting load on and off) in response to actuation of actuation member 310. For example, control device 300 may control the controllable conductive device to turn on the lighting load (e.g., connect the AC power source to the lighting load) in response to actuation of the upper portion 316 of actuation member 310, and control the controllable conductive device to turn off the lighting load (e.g., disconnect the AC power source from the lighting load) in response to actuation of the lower portion 318 of actuation member 310.
[0071] The control device 300 may include an analog intensity adjustment actuator, such as a slider actuator 320, which has a slider knob 322 configured to move along an elongated slot (such as a slider slot 324) (e.g., within the elongated slot). The slider slot 324 may be an elongated opening in the frame 312 of the control device 300 and may extend up to a length L. SLIDER For example, the slider slot 324 may be positioned adjacent to the actuating member 310. The control device 300 may control the amplitude of the load current conducted through the lighting load (e.g., to adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load) in response to movement of the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324. PRES Therefore, the control device 300 can be configured to adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load in response to actuation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., movement of the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324). PRES From the initial intensity level L INIT Adjust to the commanded intensity level L CMD The position of the slider knob 322 along the length of the slider slot 324 can indicate (e.g., via local control) the commanded intensity level L of the lighting load. CMD For example, when the lighting load is turned on, the control device 300 can control the current intensity level L of the lighting load in response to the movement of the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324. PRES When the lighting load is turned off, the control device 300 can adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load without responding to the movement of the slider knob 322. PRES However, when the lighting load is turned off and the upper portion 316 of the actuating member 310 is actuated, the control device 300 can turn on the lighting load to an intensity level determined based on the position of the slider knob 322 within the slider slot 324.
[0072] The slider knob 322 can be configured to move vertically along the slider slot 324 between a low-end position 326 and a high-end position 328. The slider knob 322 of the slider actuator 320 allows for movement at the low-end strength level L. LE (For example, when the slider knob 322 is in the low position 326) and the high strength level L HE (For example, when slider knob 322 is in the high position 328) adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load. PRES Therefore, the slider knob 322 can be operable to move in the vertical direction along the length of the slider slot 324 of the frame 312, and the frame 312 can be configured to be received in an opening in the panel. Although described primarily in the context of a slider actuator 320 that moves or slides (e.g., moves continuously along the slider slot 324) along the slider slot 324, in other examples, the control device 300 may include a slider actuator that moves along the slider slot 324 in discrete increments (e.g., steps). Furthermore, although shown as moving in a linear vertical direction, the slider knob 322 can be configured to move across the frame 312 and / or the actuation member 310 in a linear horizontal or linear diagonal direction behind a similarly configured slider slot 324.
[0073] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 This is an exploded view of the control device 300. FIG. 7 to FIG. 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the control device 300. The control device 300 may include a yoke 340, which may be connected to a housing 330 and may be configured to mount the control device 300 to an electrical enclosure. For example, the housing 330 may be connected to the yoke 340 via fasteners (e.g., screws – not shown) that are received through an opening 342 in the yoke 340 and a corresponding opening 332 in the housing 330. Although shown with housing 330, in some examples, such as when the control device 300 is a wireless remote control device, housing 330 may be omitted. In such examples, the control device 300 may be connected to the base of a toggle or paddle actuator fixed to a standard light switch.
[0074] The housing 330 may accommodate the load control circuitry of the control device 300, which may be mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB) 350 of the control device 300. For example, the load control circuitry of the control device 300 may include a controllable conductive device 351 configured to be electrically coupled to the load control circuitry mounted on the PCB 350. The controllable conductive device 351 (e.g., a heatsink for the controllable conductive device 351) may be thermally coupled to the yoke 330. For example, the heatsink for the controllable conductive device 351 may be mounted to the yoke 300, for example, via fasteners (e.g., rivets – not shown) received through an opening (not shown) in the controllable conductive device 351 and an opening 343 in the yoke 340. For example, the PCB 350 may house control circuitry (e.g., primary control circuitry), memory, drive circuitry, one or more controllable conductive devices, zero-crossing detectors, low-voltage power supplies, etc. (e.g., such as…). FIG. 37 and FIG. 38A Any combination thereof (as shown). The control circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board 350 may be operatively coupled to the control input of the controllable conductive device 351, for example, via a drive circuit. The control circuitry may be used to make the controllable conductive device conductive or non-conductive, for example, to control the electrical force delivered to the lighting load, and thus control the current intensity level L of the lighting load. PRES .
[0075] Printed circuit board 350 can be connected to (e.g., mounted to) a bracket 360. For example, bracket 360 can be configured to secure printed circuit board 350 to yoke 340. Bracket 360 may include clamp 362 configured to engage with edge 352 of printed circuit board 350. Clamp 362 may extend through a notch 353 in edge 352 of printed circuit board 350. Bracket 350 can be connected to yoke 340 such that when housing 330 is connected to yoke 340, printed circuit board 350 and bracket 350 are received in recess 334 of housing 330. For example, bracket 360 may include flange member 364 and clamp 365, flange member configured to be received within bottom opening 344 in yoke 340 and clamp configured to be received within top opening 345 in yoke 340. Flange member 364 and clamp 365 can be configured to removably secure bracket 360 to yoke 340. The clamp 365 can be configured to flex (e.g., bend) when the clamp 365 is inserted into the top opening 345 of the yoke 340, and can be engaged on the front surface 331 of the yoke 340 so that the bracket 360 is held against the rear surface 349 of the yoke 340.
[0076] The bezel 312 can be configured to attach to the yoke 340. For example, the bezel 312 can include a flange member 315 that is located at the top of the bezel 312 and is configured to be received in a top opening 346 (e.g., a second top opening) in the yoke 340. The bezel 312 can also include a clip (not shown) that is located at the bottom of the bezel 312 and is configured to be received in the bottom opening 344 of the yoke 330. The clip at the bottom of the bezel 312 can be configured to flex (e.g., bend) when the clip is inserted into the bottom opening 344 of the yoke 340 and can snap onto the back surface 349 of the yoke 340 to hold the bezel 312 against the front surface 341 of the yoke 340.
[0077] The control device 300 can include an actuator support member 370 that is captured between the actuation member 310 and the front surface 331 of the yoke 330. The actuator support member 370 can operate as a return spring for the actuation member 310. For example, the actuator support member 370 can include a support rail 372 that is configured to contact a back surface (not shown) of the actuation member 310. The actuator support member 370 can also include an upper biasing arm 374 and a lower biasing arm 375. The upper biasing arm 374 and the lower biasing arm 375 of the actuator support member 370 can be configured to push against the front surface 331 of the yoke 330 to bias the support rail 372 against the back surface of the actuation member 310 to hold the actuation member 310 in an idle position.
[0078] The control device 300 can include mechanical switches, such as a first tactile switch 354 and a second tactile switch 355 (e.g., momentary tactile switches), mounted to the printed circuit board 350. Control circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board 350 can be responsive to actuation of the first tactile switch 356 and the second tactile switch 358. For example, the first tactile switch 354 and the second tactile switch 355 can be configured to be actuated in response to actuation of the upper portion 316 and the lower portion 318, respectively, of the actuation member 310 (e.g., to turn an illumination load on and off). The actuator support member 370 can include an upper actuation post 376 and a lower actuation post 378 coupled to the support rail 372 via respective pairs of spring arms 379. The upper actuation post 376 and the lower actuation post 378 can extend from the actuator support member 370 toward the first tactile switch 354 and the second tactile switch 355, respectively. The upper actuation post 376 and the lower actuation post 378 can extend through respective holes 347 in the yoke 340. When the upper portion 316 of the actuation member 310 is actuated, the actuation member 310 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 313, thereby causing the upper pair of spring arms 379 to flex such that the upper actuation post 376 can contact and actuate the first tactile switch 354 on the printed circuit board 350. When the lower portion 318 of the actuation member 310 is actuated, the actuation member 310 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 313, thereby causing the lower pair of spring arms 379 to flex such that the lower actuation post 378 can contact and actuate the second tactile switch 355 on the printed circuit board 350. In some examples, the control device 300 can be configured to control an illumination load of an illumination control system to turn the illumination load on in response to actuation of the first tactile switch 354 and to turn the illumination load off in response to actuation of the second tactile switch 355 (or vice versa). The same applies in reverse FIG. 7 ).
[0079] The control device 300 can include a potentiometer 356 having a shaft 358 mechanically coupled to the slider knob 322. The potentiometer 356 can be mounted to the printed circuit board 350 and electrically coupled to control circuitry on the printed circuit board 350. The potentiometer 356 can be characterized by a variable impedance (e.g., resistance) and can be configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage that can be received by the control circuitry and can have a magnitude representative of an amount of electrical power desired to be delivered to an illumination load and, thus, a present intensity level L PRES of the illumination load. The resistance of the potentiometer 356 and, thus, the magnitude of the DC voltage generated by the potentiometer 356 can be adjusted in response to user input provided from the slider knob 322 to the shaft 358 of the potentiometer to control the amount of electrical power delivered to the illumination load. The shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356 can allow a user to adjust the present intensity level L PRES of the illumination load from a low end intensity level L LEAdjust to high-end strength level L HE Alternatively, in some examples, the control device 300 may include a combination of a linear encoder, a slider and a resistance trace on the main PCB 334 of the control device 300, a mechanical or magnetic encoder, etc., instead of a potentiometer.
[0080] FIG. 4 It is the center of the slider slot 324 through the frame 312 of the control device 300 (e.g., through the center of the slider slot 324 of the control device 300). FIG. 10 The right-side cross-sectional view (shown by the line shown). FIG. 7 It is the center of the axis 358 of the control device 300 that passes through the potentiometer 356 (e.g., through the axis 358). FIG. 7 The bottom cross-sectional view is taken by the line shown in the diagram. The control device 300 may include a slider body 380 that may be coupled between the slider knob 322 and the shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356. For example, the slider body 380 may be located between the yoke 340 and the frame 312. The slider body 380 may include a front portion 381 that may be located in a channel 382 in the frame 312 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). FIG. 10 and FIG. 7 (As shown in the diagram). The slider body 380 may include a shaft 384 configured to extend through the slider slot 324 in the frame 312 and connect to the slider body 380.
[0081] The shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356 may be configured to extend through a slot 348 in the yoke 340 (e.g., the lower portion of the slot 348). The slider body 380 may include a protrusion 386 configured to extend from a rear portion 383 of the slider body 380 through the slot 348. The protrusion 386 may be configured to surround the shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356 within the slot 348 of the yoke 340 to capture the shaft 358 and thus couple the slider knob 322 to the shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356 (e.g., as shown in the image). FIG. 3 (As shown in the diagram). The slider body 380 may also include a diagonal portion 388 that extends from the slider body 380 adjacent to the front portion 381 toward the yoke 340. For example, the diagonal portion 388 may contact the yoke 340 to hold the front portion 381 of the slider body 380 in the channel 382 of the frame 312.
[0082] like FIG. 8As shown, the user interface 302 of the control device 300 may include a visible display, such as an illuminated surface 329. For example, the illuminated surface 329 of the user interface 302 may extend to the length of the slider slot 224. The illuminated surface 229 of the user interface 302 may be illuminated to provide a nightlight feature, for example, when the lighting load is off. The front portion 381 of the slider body 380 may define the illuminated surface 329 of the user interface 302 within the slider slot 324. For example, the slider body 380 may be made of a translucent material and may operate as a diffuser for the illuminated surface 329 of the user interface 302. The control device 300 may include a light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) 359 mounted to a printed circuit board 350, which may be configured to illuminate the slider body 380 to illuminate the illuminated surface 329 from behind.
[0083] The control device 300 may include a light tube 390 configured to conduct light from a light-emitting diode 359 to a slider body 380, thereby illuminating the surface 329. FIG. 10 It is the center of the light tube 390 through the control device 300 (e.g., through the light tube 390). FIG. 8 The right-side cross-sectional view (shown by the line shown). Although FIG. 8 The slider slot 324 is not shown, but its position is... FIG. 8 The middle is composed of length L SLIDER Indication. The light tube 390 may include a light-receiving surface 391 configured to receive light emitted by the light-emitting diode 359. The light tube 390 may include a curved portion 392 extending from the light-receiving surface 391 to an elongated portion 394, which may be located behind the slider body 380 and adjacent to the slider slot 324 (e.g., as shown). FIG. 8 (As shown in the diagram). The elongated portion 394 may extend into a slot 348 in the yoke 340, into which the shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356 also extends. For example, the elongated portion 394 of the light tube 390 may be located in the upper portion of the slot 348, such that the shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356 can move through the lower portion of the slot 348, in which the elongated portion 394 of the light tube 390 is not located. The elongated portion 394 of the light tube 390 may include a front surface 395 positioned toward the front of the control device 300 (e.g., toward the slider body 380). The elongated portion 394 may also include a rear surface 396 having a lens feature 397 configured to reflect light toward the front surface 395 of the elongated portion 394. The light tube 390 may further include a mounting post 398 configured to be received in an opening 399 in the printed circuit board 350, such that the light tube 390 is trapped between the yoke 340 and the printed circuit board 350 (e.g., as shown in the image). FIG. 12 (as shown in the image).
[0084] Light emitted by the light emitting diode 359 and received by the light receiving surface 391 of the light pipe 390 can be conducted through the curved portion 392 of the elongated portion 394. The light can then be conducted through the front surface 395 of the elongated portion 394 and / or reflected by the lens feature 397 on the back surface 396 toward the front surface 395. Light emitted by the front surface 395 of the elongated portion 394 of the light pipe 390 can be received by the diagonal portion 388 of the slider body 380 and can be conducted through the diagonal portion toward the front portion 381 of the slider body 380, thereby illuminating the illuminated surface 329 of the user interface 302.
[0085] The control device 300 can include wireless communication circuitry. The wireless communication circuitry can include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuitry can also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. The wireless communication circuitry can be configured to transmit control signals including control data (e.g., digital messages) generated by the control circuitry to lighting loads. The wireless communication circuitry can be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) from one or more remote control devices (e.g., retrofit remote control device 112, wall-mounted remote control device 114, table-mounted remote control device 116, handheld remote control device 118, smart phone, tablet computer, computer, etc.) of a load control system. The messages can include commands for the present intensity level L PRES from the initial intensity level L INIT to the commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the message. For example, the antenna can be located on the printed circuit board 350, on an additional printed circuit board mounted perpendicularly to and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board 350, and / or on an additional printed circuit board magnetically and / or capacitively coupled to the printed circuit board 350. Examples of antennas for wall-mounted control devices are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,362,285, issued April 22, 2008, entitled COMPACT RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING ANTENNA AND CONTROL DEVICE EMPLOYING SAME, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20220131540, published April 28, 2022, entitled LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A CAPACITIVE TOUCH SURFACE, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0086] The control device 300 can be configured to update the position of the slider knob 322 when the lighting load is remotely controlled. For example, the control device 300 can be configured to adjust the position of the slider knob 322 upon receiving a remote control command for controlling the lighting load. In response to receiving a message from a remote device, the control device 300 can control the lighting load to a commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the command in the message (e.g., a remote control command). Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 300 can be configured to adjust the position of the slider knob 322 along the length of the slider slot 324 in response to the commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the command in the message. The position of the slider knob 322 along the length of the slider slot 324 can be indicative of the commanded intensity level L CMD of the lighting load (e.g., via local control and remote control). The present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load can be synchronized with the position of the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324 in response to both local control and remote control.
[0087] In response to receiving a message from a remote control device, the control device 300 can independently control the intensity level (e.g., the magnitude of the load current conducted through the lighting load) of the lighting load with respect to adjusting the position of the slider knob 322. For example, the control device 300 can first adjust the intensity level of the lighting load, and then adjust the position of the slider knob 322 after a predetermined delay (e.g., a timeout period). The predetermined delay can be configured such that the intensity level of the lighting load is stable (e.g., does not change over time) before adjusting the position of the slider knob 322. For example, the predetermined delay can allow for avoiding unnecessary intermediate adjustments to the position of the slider knob 322.
[0088] The control device 300 can include an actuator adjustment system 400 to allow the control circuit of the control device 300 to adjust the position of the slider knob 322 along the length of the slider slot 324. For example, in response to receiving a wireless message, the control device 300 can be configured to adjust the position of the slider knob 322 using the actuator adjustment system 400. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is a back perspective view of the control device 300, and FIG. 11is a back view of the control device 300 with the housing 330, printed circuit board 350, and potentiometer 356 removed to show the actuator adjustment system 400 in more detail. The actuator adjustment system 400 can include a motor 410 (e.g., a DC motor) and a gear assembly 420. The gear assembly 420 can include a rack and pinion assembly, including a circular gear 430 (e.g., a pinion) and a linear gear 440 (e.g., a rack). The motor 410 can include a drive shaft 412 that the motor 410 can be configured to rotate. The gear assembly 420 can be configured to couple (e.g., mechanically couple) the drive shaft 412 of the motor 410 to the shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356. The drive shaft 412 of the motor 410 can be coupled to the gear assembly 420 (e.g., the circular gear 430) for rotating the circular gear 430. The circular gear 430 can include a plurality of teeth 432 arranged around a circumference of the circular gear 430. Rotation of the circular gear 430 can be translated into linear movement of the linear gear 440. For example, the linear gear 440 can move linearly in response to rotation of the circular gear 430.
[0089] The motor 410 can be located in a motor recess 414 in the carrier 360, and the drive shaft 412 of the motor 410 can be configured to extend through a slot 415 in the carrier 360. FIG. 14 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the control device 300 taken through the center of the drive shaft 412 of the motor 410 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 11 When the control device 300 is fully assembled, the motor 410 can be located (e.g., captured) between the printed circuit board 350 and the carrier 360 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5 The motor 410 can include motor leads 416 that can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board 350. The motor leads 416 can be configured to receive a motor drive voltage (e.g., a motor drive signal) for controlling (e.g., driving) the motor 410 to rotate the drive shaft 412. The carrier 360 can include ribs 417 located on the front surface 361 of the carrier 360 adjacent to the motor recess 414 where the motor 410 is located (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 When the control device 300 is fully assembled, the ribs 417 can be received in corresponding slots 418 in the yoke 340. The ribs 417 and slots 418 can be configured to reinforce the carrier 360 adjacent to the location of the motor 410. Additionally, the extensions 419 of the yoke 330 between the slots 418 can allow for heat transfer from the controllably conductive device 351 above the slots 418 to the lower portion of the yoke 340.
[0090] Gear assembly 420 can be operatively coupled to slider knob 322, e.g., via potentiometer 356, such that rotation of motor 410 is translated to linear (e.g., vertical) movement of slider knob 322. Rack and pinion 440 can include a plurality of teeth 442 arranged in a linear array along rack plate 444. Rack and pinion 440 can be operatively coupled to shaft 538 of potentiometer 356. For example, rack plate 444 can include a coupling portion 445 having an opening 446 configured to receive (e.g., encircle) shaft 358 of potentiometer 356 such that the potentiometer moves linearly as rack and pinion 440 moves. Rack plate 444 can be positioned within carrier 360 such that teeth 432 of circular gear 430 and teeth 442 of linear gear 440 engage one another. FIG. 14 is a right side cross-sectional view of gear assembly 420 of control device 300 taken through a center of gear assembly 420 where circular gear 430 engages linear gear 440. For example, the view can be taken through a line indicated in FIG. 12 is a right side cross-sectional view of gear assembly 420 of control device 300 taken through a center of gear assembly 420 where circular gear 430 engages linear gear 440. For example, the view can be taken through a line indicated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 12 When motor 210 rotates circular gear 430 in a first angular direction (e.g., clockwise as indicated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 12 When motor 210 rotates circular gear 430 in a second angular direction (e.g., opposite the first angular direction, such as counterclockwise as indicated in
[0091] Carrier 360 can include a rack support portion 368 that defines a channel 369 configured to receive fins 448 of rack plate 444 (e.g., as indicated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 to FIG. 25EThe fins 448 can be configured to move along the channel 369 when the slider knob 322 is moved along the slider slot 324. Additionally, the coupling portion 445 of the rack plate 444 can include a flange portion 449 that is configured to contact and slide along the back surface 363 of the cradle 360 when the motor 410 moves the rack plate 444 up and down inside the cradle 360. The engagement between the fins 448 and the channel 369 can help maintain the alignment between the linear gear 440 and the circular gear 430 of the rack plate 444 (e.g., maintain their engagement). The rack support portion 368 can be a separate portion from the cradle 360. For example, the rack support portion 368 can be captured between the yoke 340 and the cradle 360. For example, the rack support portion 368 can be made of a different material than the cradle 360. For example, the rack support portion 368 can be made of a material (e.g., Teflon) that can minimize the stickiness and / or friction between the fins 448 of the rack plate 444 and the channel 369 of the rack support portion 368. The rack support portion 368 can be configured to reduce the stiction between the rack plate 444 (e.g., the fins 448) and the rack support portion 368 (e.g., the channel 369) when the slider knob 322 is moved within the slider slot 324 (e.g., starting from rest). Alternatively, the rack support portion 368 can be formed as part of the cradle 360 (e.g., overmolded with the cradle 360). Further, the rack support portion 368 can be integral with the cradle 360 (e.g., made of the same material as the cradle 360 and molded as a single portion).
[0092] The control circuit of the control device 300 can be configured to control the actuator adjustment system 400 to adjust the position of the slider knob 322 to indicate the current intensity level L PRES of the lighting load. Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 300 can also be configured to control the position of the slider knob 322 to indicate other status information of the control device 300 and / or the lighting load (e.g., other than the current intensity level L PRESIn addition, the control circuit can be configured to control the position of the slider knob 322 in a step-wise (e.g., non-continuous) manner to a plurality of discrete positions to indicate that the control device 300 is changing to a different control mode, such as a fan speed control mode. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the position of the slider knob 322 to the plurality of discrete positions in a step-wise manner by controlling the position of the slider knob 322 to a first position (e.g., approximately 20% along the length of the slider slot 324), and then waiting for a certain wait period (e.g., approximately one second), controlling the position of the slider knob 322 to a second position (e.g., approximately 40% along the length of the slider slot 324), and then waiting for the wait period, controlling the position of the slider knob 322 to a third position (e.g., approximately 60% along the length of the slider slot 324), and then waiting for the wait period, and controlling the position of the slider knob 322 to a fourth position (e.g., approximately 80% along the length of the slider slot 324).
[0093] When adjusting the position of the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324, the control circuit of the control device 300 can be configured to stop driving the motor 410 of the actuator adjustment system 400 to stop adjusting the position of the slider knob 322 in response to determining that the user is presently actuating the slider knob 322 to move the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324. For example, the control circuit can determine that the user is actuating the slider knob 322 when the shaft 358 of the potentiometer 356 is not at an expected position, and / or when a motor drive voltage used to drive the motor 410 indicates an unexpected condition, while the control circuit is driving the motor 410.
[0094] Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 300 can be configured to control the actuator adjustment system 400 to provide feedback to the user when the user is manually adjusting the position of the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the actuator adjustment system 400 to provide detents (e.g., points of higher resistance) in the movement of the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324. When the user is sliding the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324, the control circuit can be configured to provide one of the detents by controlling the motor 410 to cause the drive shaft 412 to rotate in a direction that causes the rack plate 444 to move in a direction opposite to the direction in which the user is moving the slider knob 322 for a predetermined (e.g., short) period of time. The control of the actuator adjustment system 400 to provide the detents can not impede the movement of the slider knob 322 by the user, but can provide a slight bump in the movement of the slider knob 322 to signal the detent to the user. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the motor 410 to provide detents at one or more positions along the length of the slider slot 324 (e.g., to indicate intensity levels such as 25%, 50%, and / or 75%). Additionally, the control circuit can be configured to control the actuator adjustment system 400 to generate a vibration of the slider knob 322 at one or more positions along the slider slot 324. When the user is sliding the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324, the control circuit can be configured to generate the vibration of the slider knob 322 by increasing the frequency of the motor drive voltage that drives the motor 410. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the motor 410 to generate a vibration at one or more positions along the length of the slider slot 324 to indicate a preset intensity level (e.g., a favorite or a stored current intensity level).
[0095] FIG. 1 An example control device 500 is depicted that can be deployed as a wall-mounted load control device 110, a retrofit remote control device 112, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device 114 in the lighting control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 An example control device 500 is depicted that can be deployed as a wall-mounted load control device 110, a retrofit remote control device 112, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device 114 in the lighting control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 15is a perspective view of a control device 500. The control device 500 can be configured to be installed in an electrical wallbox having a faceplate (e.g., faceplate 204). The control device 500 can include a user interface 502 that can be configured to be received in an opening of the faceplate. The control device 500 can be configured to control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a lighting load. The control device 500 can be configured to control the lighting load, e.g., to turn the lighting load on or off. For example, the control device 500 can control the lighting load by controlling an internal load control circuit (e.g., a controllably conductive device of the control device 500) and / or by sending a message to control the lighting load via a communication circuit (e.g., sending a wireless signal via a wireless communication circuit). When the control device 500 is a wall-mounted load control device, such as a wall-mounted electronic switch, the control device 500 can include a housing 530 for housing load control circuitry of the electronic switch. The control device 500 can be configured to indicate whether the lighting load is on or off, e.g., when the lighting load is controlled remotely and / or locally.
[0096] The user interface 502 of the control device 500 can include an actuation member 510 configured to be operably attached (e.g., mounted) to a base portion 512 (e.g., a bezel) of the control device 500. The actuation member 510 can be received in an opening in a front surface 511 of the bezel 512. The actuation member 510 can include a front surface 514 including an upper portion 516 and a lower portion 518. The actuation member 510 can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 513 (e.g., a central axis) in response to actuation of the upper portion 516 or the lower portion 518. For example, the actuation member 510 of the control device 500 can be a bistable actuator that can be in one of two positions. In response to actuation of the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510, the actuation member 510 can be placed in a first position (e.g., an off position) in which the upper portion 516 protrudes from the bezel 512 and the lower portion 518 is positioned proximate to the front surface 511 of the bezel 512 (e.g., in a plane substantially parallel to the front surface) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B). In response to actuation of the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, the actuation member 510 can be placed in a second position (e.g., an on position) in which the lower portion 518 protrudes from the bezel 512 and the upper portion 516 is positioned proximate to the front surface 511 of the bezel 512 (e.g., in a plane substantially parallel to the front surface). For example, in the first position, the lower portion 516 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 511 of the bezel 512 and, in the second position, the upper portion 518 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 511 of the bezel 512. The same applies in reverse In response to actuation of the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510, the actuation member 510 can be placed in a first position (e.g., an off position) in which the upper portion 516 protrudes from the bezel 512 and the lower portion 518 is positioned proximate to the front surface 511 of the bezel 512 (e.g., in a plane substantially parallel to the front surface) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B). In response to actuation of the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, the actuation member 510 can be placed in a second position (e.g., an on position) in which the lower portion 518 protrudes from the bezel 512 and the upper portion 516 is positioned proximate to the front surface 511 of the bezel 512 (e.g., in a plane substantially parallel to the front surface). For example, in the first position, the lower portion 516 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 511 of the bezel 512 and, in the second position, the upper portion 518 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 511 of the bezel 512.
[0097] The control device 500 can be configured to turn on the lighting load in response to actuation of the upper portion 516 and turn off the lighting load in response to actuation of the lower portion 518 (or vice versa). For example, the control device 500 can include a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load. The control device 500 can be configured to control the amount of power delivered from the AC power source to the lighting load (e.g., to turn on and off the lighting load) in response to actuation of the actuation member 510. For example, the control device 500 can control the controllably conductive device to turn on the lighting load (e.g., connect the AC power source to the lighting load) in response to actuation of the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 and control the controllably conductive device to turn off the lighting load (e.g., disconnect the AC power source from the lighting load) in response to actuation of the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510. FIG. 37
[0098] The control device 500 can include a yoke 540 that can be connected to the housing 530 and can be configured to mount the control device 500 to an electrical wallbox. The bezel 512 can be configured to attach to the yoke 540 (e.g., in a similar manner to which the bezel 312 attaches to the yoke 340 of the control device 300). Although shown with the housing 530, in some examples, such as when the control device 300 is a wireless remote control device, the housing 530 can be omitted. In such examples, the control device 500 can connect to a base that is secured to a toggle or paddle actuator of a standard light switch.
[0099] The housing 530 can house load control circuitry of the control device 500, which can be mounted to a printed circuit board (not shown) of the control device 500. The printed circuit board of the control device 500 can be similar to the printed circuit board 350 of the control device 300. For example, the printed circuit board can be mounted with any combination of control circuitry (e.g., primary control circuitry), memory, drive circuitry, one or more controllably conductive devices, zero-crossing detector, low voltage power supply, etc. (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). The control circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board can be operatively coupled to control inputs of the controllably conductive devices of the load control circuitry, for example, via the drive circuitry. The control circuitry can be used to render the controllably conductive devices conductive or non-conductive, for example, to control power delivered to a lighting load in order to turn on and off the lighting load. FIG. 38B FIG. 16
[0100] FIG. 17 FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of the control device 500, and FIG. 19 is a back view of the control device 500 with the housing 530 of the printed circuit board 540 removed. FIG. 20 FIG. 21 This is an exploded view of the control device 500. FIG. 18 It is the control device 500 that passes through the center of the control device 500 (e.g., through the center of the control device 500). FIG. 22 The left cross-sectional view (shown as a line) is taken. FIG. 18 It is the control device 500 that passes through the center of the control device 500 (e.g., through the center of the control device 500). FIG. 23 The right-side cross-sectional view (shown by the line shown). FIG. 18 It is the control device 500 that passes through the center of the control device 500 (e.g., through the center of the control device 500). FIG. 19 The bottom cross-sectional view is shown (with lines shown). Control device 500 may include one or more mechanical switches, such as switch 550 (e.g., a holding switch). For example, switch 550 may include a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch or a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. Switch 550 may include a switch housing 552 in which electrical contacts of switch 550 are housed. Switch 550 may also include a plunger 554 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). FIG. 19 As shown in the diagram, the plunger can extend from the switch housing 552 and can be actuated to open and / or close the electrical contacts of the switch 550. The plunger 554 of the switch 550 can extend through the central opening 542 of the yoke 540.
[0101] Switch 550 may include an electrical terminal 556 that can be electrically coupled to electrical contacts of switch 550 within switch housing 552. Electrical terminal 556 can be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board for electrically coupling the electrical contacts of switch 552 to a load control circuitry system mounted on the printed circuit board. Control circuitry mounted on the printed circuit board can respond to actuation (e.g., opening and closing) of switch 550 (e.g., to turn on and off a lighting load). For example, when switch 550 is a single-pole double-throw switch, the electrical contacts of switch 550 can be closed when plunger 554 is pressed, and the electrical contacts of switch 550 can be opened when plunger 554 is released. When switch 550 is a double-throw single-pole switch, one of the electrical terminals 556 can be a common terminal, while the other two terminals can be switching terminals. Switch 550 can be configured to alternately connect the common terminal to one of the two switching terminals in response to actuation of plunger 554.
[0102] The actuating member 510 may be pivotally mounted (e.g., fixed) within a recess 560 of the frame 512. The frame 512 may include a plate portion 562 and a sidewall 564 defining the recess 560. The frame 512 may further include two posts 566 (e.g., circular posts) extending from the sidewall 564 (e.g., from opposing sidewalls) at approximately the midpoint between the top and bottom of the recess 560. FIG. 23 and FIG. 20(As shown in the diagram). When the actuating member 510 is located within the recess 560 of the frame 512, the post 566 can be received in a corresponding opening 515 in the sidewall 517 of the actuating member 510. The post 566 can define a pivot axis 513 about which the actuating member 510 pivots. For example, the post 566 can enable the actuating member to pivot about the pivot axis 513.
[0103] The actuating member 510 may include a tab 558 extending from one of the sidewalls 517 of the actuating member 510 (e.g., as shown in the figure). FIG. 22 and The same applies in reverse (As shown in the diagram). For example, when the upper portion 516 of the actuating member 510 is pressed, the tab 558 can be configured to actuate the plunger 554. When the upper portion 516 of the actuating member 510 is pressed toward the yoke 540, the actuating member 510 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 513 (e.g., into the ON position), such that the tab 558 extends through an opening 568 (e.g., a slot) in the plate portion 562 of the frame 512 and presses against the plunger 554 (e.g., applying force to the plunger) (e.g., to close the electrical contacts of the switch 550). When the lower portion 518 of the actuating member 510 is pressed toward the yoke 540, the actuating member 510 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 513 (e.g., into the ON position), such that the tab 558 is released from the plunger 554 (e.g., not pressing against the plunger) (e.g., to disconnect the electrical contacts of the switch 550). The control circuit of the control device 500 can be configured to turn on the lighting load when the actuating member 510 is in the ON position (e.g., and the electrical contacts of the switch 550 are closed), and to turn off the lighting load when the actuating member 510 is in the OFF position (e.g., and the electrical contacts of the switch 550 are open). In some examples, the control device 500 can be configured to control the lighting load of the lighting control system to turn on the lighting load in response to the tab 558 pressing the plunger 554 of the switch 550, and to turn off the lighting load in response to the tab 558 releasing the plunger 554 of the switch 550 (or...). FIG. 23 ).
[0104] The control device 500 can include an over-center spring mechanism 570 for causing the actuation member 510 to remain in the on position or the off position. The over-center spring mechanism 570 can include a spring 572 (e.g., an over-center spring) and a pivot member 574. For example, the spring 572 can be a coil spring. The spring 572 can extend between the actuation member 510 and the pivot member 574 through an opening 565 in the plate portion 562 of the bezel 512. For example, the spring 572 can extend from a tab 575 on the rear surface 519 of the actuation member 510 to a tab 576 on the pivot member 574. The tabs 575, 576 can be received in opposite ends of the spring 572 for holding the spring 572 in place. The spring 572 can be attached to the actuation member 510, for example, via the tab 575. For example, the tab 575 can receive one end of the spring 572 such that the spring 572 is secured to the actuation member 510. The spring 572 can be attached to the pivot member 574, for example, via the tab 576. The tab 576 can receive the other end of the spring 572 such that the spring 572 is secured to the pivot member 574.
[0105] The pivot member 574 can be pivotably coupled to a support member 580, which can be rotatably coupled to the bezel 512. The bezel 512 can include two brackets 590 for rotatably supporting the support member 580. The brackets 590 can extend from the rear surface 569 of the plate portion 562 of the bezel 512. The brackets 590 can each include a slot 592 with an end portion 594 (e.g., a semicircular end portion). The support structure 580 can include a shaft 582 (e.g., a stub shaft), which can be received in the slots 592 of the brackets 590 of the bezel 512. During manufacturing of the control device 500, the support member 550 can be passed through the opening 565 in the plate portion 562 of the bezel 512, and the shaft 582 can be inserted into the slots 592 of the brackets 590. The shaft 582 of the support structure 580 can be configured to rotate when received in the end portions 594 of the respective brackets 590. For example, the shaft 582 can define a rotation axis 583 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B) of the support structure 580. FIG. 23
[0106] The support member 580 can also include a stem 584 (e.g., a cylindrical stem) for pivotably supporting the pivot member 574. For example, the stem 584 can define a pivot axis 585 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B) of the pivot member 574. The stem 584 can be coupled to the shaft 582 via a first offset member 586 and a second offset member 588 such that the pivot axis 585 of the pivot member 574 is offset relative to the rotation axis 583 of the support member 580. FIG. 21
[0107] The pivot member 574 can include a channel 578 (e.g., a cylindrical channel) in which the stem 584 of the support member 580 can be received. For example, the stem 584 can be configured to snap into the channel 578. The pivot member 574 can include an arm 579 configured to partially wrap around the stem 584 of the support member 580 of the pivot member 574 for retaining the pivot member 574 attached with the stem 584 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B). The spring 572 can bias the shaft 582 of the support member 580 toward the end portion 594 of the respective bracket 590. FIG. 22 and The same applies in reverse The spring 572 can bias the shaft 582 of the support member 580 toward the end portion 594 of the respective bracket 590.
[0108] The control device 500 can be configured to update the position of the actuation member 510, for example, when the lighting load is remotely controlled. For example, the control device 500 can be configured to adjust the position of the actuation member 510 (e.g., between the on position and the off position) upon receiving a remote control command.
[0109] The control device 500 can include an actuator adjustment system 600 for allowing the control circuit of the control device 500 to adjust the position of the actuation member 510 (e.g., between the on position and the off position). The actuator adjustment system 600 can include a motor 610 and a gear assembly 620. The gear assembly can include a first gear 630 (e.g., a circular gear) and a second gear 640 (e.g., a circular gear). The motor 610 can include a drive shaft 612 that the motor 610 can be configured to rotate. The gear assembly 620 can be configured to couple (e.g., operatively couple) the drive shaft 612 of the motor 610 to the stem 584 about which the pivot member 574 of the over-center spring mechanism 570 pivots. The drive shaft 612 of the motor 610 can be coupled to the first gear 630 for rotating the first gear 630. The first gear 630 can be a spur gear. The first gear 630 can include a plurality of teeth 632 arranged around a circumference of the first gear 630.
[0110] The second gear 640 can be coupled to and encircle the second offset member 588 of the support member 580. For example, the second gear 640 can be formed (e.g., molded) as part of the support member 580. The second gear 640 can include a plurality of teeth 642 arranged around a circumference of the second gear 640. The second gear 640 can be larger than the first gear 630 such that the number of teeth 642 of the second gear 640 is greater than the number of teeth 632 of the first gear 630. The first gear 630 can rotate at a first speed, and the second gear 640 can rotate at a second speed that is slower than the first speed. The second gear 640 can be characterized by a central axis 631 that is aligned with the rotational axis 583 of the support member 580. For example, the second gear 640 can rotate about the central axis 631. The teeth 632 of the first gear 630 can engage with the teeth 642 of the second gear 640, for example, such that when the drive shaft 612 rotates, the first gear 630 drives the second gear 640. The second gear 640 can extend through the opening 565 in the plate portion 562 of the bezel 512. Additionally, the rear surface 519 of the actuation member 510 can include a recess 644 in which the second gear 640 can be received. For example, the recess 644 can receive a portion of the second gear 640. The recess 644 can be configured such that the second gear 640 does not interfere with the operation of the actuation member 510.
[0111] The motor 610 can be at least partially located in a recess 614 in the back surface 569 of the plate portion 562 of the bezel 512. For example, the back surface 569 of the plate portion 562 can define the recess 614 such that a portion of the motor 610 is received within the recess 614. The recess 614 can be configured such that the motor 610 can be located further away from the actuation member 510. For example, the recess 614 can be configured to prevent interference between the operation of the motor 610 and the actuation member 510. The drive shaft 612 of the motor 610 can extend through an opening 617 in a mounting tab 615 that extends from the back surface 569 of the plate portion 562 of the bezel 512. The motor 610 can include a protrusion 618 that can be received in the opening 519 in the mounting tab 615 for retaining the motor 610 in place while the motor 610 is rotating the drive shaft 612. The first gear 630 can include an opening 634 (e.g., a central opening) that is configured to receive the drive shaft 612 of the motor 610 such that the central axis 631 of the first gear 630 is aligned with the rotational axis of the drive shaft 612 of the motor 610. For example, the first gear 630 can be attached to the drive shaft 612 of the motor 610 via a press-fit connection. The first gear 630 can be attached to the drive shaft 612 on an opposite side of the mounting tab 615 from the side where the motor 610 is located. The motor 610 can include motor leads 616 (e.g., wires) that can be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board to receive a motor drive voltage for controlling the motor 610 to rotate the drive shaft 612.
[0112] When the motor 610 rotates the first gear 630, the second gear 640 can also rotate, thereby causing the support member 580 to rotate about the shaft 582 (e.g., about the rotational axis 583) received in the end portion 594 of the slot 592 of the bracket 590. For example, the drive shaft 612 can drive the first gear 630, and the first gear 630 can drive (e.g., transfer rotation of the drive shaft 612 to) the second gear 640. The support member 580 can be configured to compress and decompress the spring 572. As the support member 580 rotates about the rotational axis 583, the stem 584 of the support member 580 can be configured to move proximate to and then away from the back surface 519 of the actuation member 510, thereby compressing and decompressing the spring 572, respectively. The control circuit can be configured to control the motor 610 to move the stem 584 to adjust the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position, and FIG. 24A to FIG. 25E .
[0113] FIG. 18 is a control device 500 that passes through the center of the control device 500 (e.g., through the center of the control device 500) and FIG. 24AThe left-hand cross-sectional view (shown by the line shown) illustrates the adjustment of the actuating member 510 between the off and on positions. This is when the lever 584 is in the position closest to the actuating member 510 about the rotation axis 583 (e.g., as shown by the line shown by the line). FIG. 24E and FIG. 24A As shown in the diagram, the rod 584 of the support member 580 can be in a normal position. This normal position can be defined as the rod being at the 3 o'clock position when viewed from the left, as... FIG. 24E and FIG. 24A As shown in the diagram. When the motor 610 is not rotating, the user can actuate the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 to adjust the actuation member 510 to the on position, and actuate the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 to adjust the actuation member 510 to the off position. The pivoting member 574 can be in the off position when the actuation member 510 is in the off position (e.g., as shown in the diagram). FIG. 24E When (as shown in the diagram) it is slightly tilted toward the lower portion 518 of the actuating member 510, and when the actuating member 510 is in the activated position (e.g., as shown in the diagram), ... FIG. 24A to FIG. 24E As shown in the diagram, the upper portion 516 of the actuating member 510 is slightly tilted towards it. When the upper portion 518 of the actuating member 510 is pressed in by the user, the actuating member 510 can rotate from the off position to the on position, which can compress (e.g., slightly compress) the spring 572 of the central spring mechanism 570. During user actuation, the spring 572 can be compressed to its maximum when the actuating member 510 is halfway between the off and on positions. After the point of movement halfway between the off and on positions during user actuation, the spring 572 can begin to extend and continue to extend until the actuating member is in the on position. When the lower portion 518 of the actuating member 510 is pressed in to adjust the actuating member 510 from the on position to the off position, a series of reverse events may occur. The spring 572 of the central spring mechanism 570 can be configured to hold the actuating member 510 in both the on and off positions.
[0114] FIG. 24A This illustrates when the motor 610 is controlled to move the actuating member 510 from the off position (e.g., as shown in the diagram). FIG. 24E Adjust the connection position (as shown in the image) (e.g., as shown in the image) FIG. 24A to FIG. 24E The control device 500 (as shown in the diagram) is used when the actuating member 510 is in the off position to the on position. To adjust the actuating member 510 from the off position to the on position, the control circuit can rotate the support member 580 (e.g., via rotation of the drive shaft 612) so that the rod 584 rotates counterclockwise, as shown in the diagram. FIG. 24Bas shown in FIG. 6B. For example, the control circuit can rotate the support member 580 one full revolution (e.g., 360 degrees) to adjust the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position. The control circuit can first rotate the support member 580 to move the lever 584 from the normal position in a direction pointing away from the side of the actuation member 510 that is presently depressed. For example, the control circuit can rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in a counterclockwise direction by approximately 90 degrees to approximately the 12 o’clock position, e.g., away from the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 as shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 24C The control circuit can continue to rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in the counterclockwise direction, causing the spring 574 to expand, until the lever 584 is approximately 180 degrees from the normal position (e.g., approximately the 9 o’clock position) as shown in FIG. 6C. FIG. 24A The control circuit can continue to rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in the counterclockwise direction, e.g., to move the lever 584 toward the side of the actuation member 510 that was originally depressed when the actuation member 510 was in the normal position (e.g., the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 as shown in FIG. 6D). As the pivot member 574 moves closer to the actuation member 510 (e.g., from the 9 o’clock position toward the 6 o’clock position), the pivot member 574 can tilt toward the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, and the spring 572 of the over-center spring mechanism 570 can compress such that the spring 572 pushes the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position in which the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 is depressed as shown in FIG. 6E. FIG. 24D The control circuit can continue to rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in the counterclockwise direction, e.g., to move the lever 584 toward the side of the actuation member 510 that was originally depressed when the actuation member 510 was in the normal position (e.g., the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 as shown in FIG. 6D). As the pivot member 574 moves closer to the actuation member 510 (e.g., from the 9 o’clock position toward the 6 o’clock position), the pivot member 574 can tilt toward the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, and the spring 572 of the over-center spring mechanism 570 can compress such that the spring 572 pushes the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position in which the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 is depressed as shown in FIG. 6E. FIG. 24E The control circuit can continue to rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in the counterclockwise direction, e.g., to move the lever 584 toward the side of the actuation member 510 that was originally depressed when the actuation member 510 was in the normal position (e.g., the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 as shown in FIG. 6D). As the pivot member 574 moves closer to the actuation member 510 (e.g., from the 9 o’clock position toward the 6 o’clock position), the pivot member 574 can tilt toward the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, and the spring 572 of the over-center spring mechanism 570 can compress such that the spring 572 pushes the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position in which the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 is depressed as shown in FIG. 6E. FIG. 25A to FIG. 25E The control circuit can continue to rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in the counterclockwise direction, e.g., to move the lever 584 toward the side of the actuation member 510 that was originally depressed when the actuation member 510 was in the normal position (e.g., the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 as shown in FIG. 6D). As the pivot member 574 moves closer to the actuation member 510 (e.g., from the 9 o’clock position toward the 6 o’clock position), the pivot member 574 can tilt toward the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, and the spring 572 of the over-center spring mechanism 570 can compress such that the spring 572 pushes the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position in which the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 is depressed as shown in FIG. 6E.
[0115] FIG. 25A The control device 500 is shown when the control motor 610 is being controlled to adjust the actuation member 510 from the on position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6E) to the off position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6A). To adjust the actuation member 510 from the on position to the off position, the control circuit can rotate the support member 580 (e.g., via rotation of the drive shaft 612) to cause the lever 584 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 6F. FIG. 25E The control circuit can continue to rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in the counterclockwise direction, e.g., to move the lever 584 toward the side of the actuation member 510 that was originally depressed when the actuation member 510 was in the normal position (e.g., the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 as shown in FIG. 6D). As the pivot member 574 moves closer to the actuation member 510 (e.g., from the 9 o’clock position toward the 6 o’clock position), the pivot member 574 can tilt toward the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, and the spring 572 of the over-center spring mechanism 570 can compress such that the spring 572 pushes the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position in which the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 is depressed as shown in FIG. 6E. FIG. 25A to FIG. 25E The control circuit can continue to rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 in the counterclockwise direction, e.g., to move the lever 584 toward the side of the actuation member 510 that was originally depressed when the actuation member 510 was in the normal position (e.g., the lower portion 518 of the actuation member 510 as shown in FIG. 6D). As the pivot member 574 moves closer to the actuation member 510 (e.g., from the 9 o’clock position toward the 6 o’clock position), the pivot member 574 can tilt toward the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510, and the spring 572 of the over-center spring mechanism 570 can compress such that the spring 572 pushes the actuation member 510 from the off position to the on position in which the upper portion 516 of the actuation member 510 is depressed as shown in FIG. 6E. FIG. 25BAs shown in the diagram. For example, the control circuit can rotate the support member 580 a full circle (e.g., 360 degrees) to adjust the actuating member from the on position to the off position. The control circuit can first rotate the support member 580 to move the lever 584 from its normal position in a direction pointing away from the currently pressed side of the actuating member 510. For example, the control circuit can rotate the lever 584 of the support member 580 approximately 90 degrees clockwise to approximately the 12 o'clock position, for example, away from the upper portion 516 of the actuating member 510, such as... FIG. 25C As shown in the diagram. The control circuit can continue to rotate the rod 584 of the support member 580 clockwise, thereby extending the spring 574 until the rod 584 is approximately 180 degrees from its normal position (e.g., approximately the 9 o'clock position), as shown. FIG. 25A As shown in the diagram. The control circuit can continue to rotate the rod 584 of the support member 580 clockwise, for example, so that the rod 584 is directed toward the side of the actuating member 510 that was originally pressed when the actuating member 510 is in its normal position (e.g., the upper portion 516 of the actuating member 510, such as...). FIG. 25D (As shown in the diagram) the pivot member 574 moves closer to the actuating portion 510 (e.g., from the 9 o'clock position toward the 6 o'clock position), the pivot member 574 may tilt toward the lower portion 518 of the actuating member 510, and the spring 572 of the central spring mechanism 570 may compress, such that the spring 572 pushes the actuating member 510 from the on position to the off position, in which the lower portion 518 of the actuating member 510 is pressed down, as shown in the diagram. FIG. 25E As shown in the diagram. The control circuit can continue to rotate the rod 584 of the support member 580 until the rod 584 is in its normal position (e.g., approximately the 3 o'clock position), as shown. FIG. 37 As shown, at this time, spring 572 can be operated to hold actuation member 510 in the off position. When rod 584 is in the normal position, control circuit can stop drive motor 610 from rotating support member 580.
[0116] Control device 500 may include communication circuitry, such as wireless communication circuitry (e.g., FIG. 38A to FIG. 38E and FIG. 1 The communication circuit 1022 shown is an example. The wireless communication circuit may include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit may also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. For example, the antenna may be located on a printed circuit board, on an additional printed circuit board vertically mounted to and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and / or on an additional printed circuit board magnetically and / or capacitively coupled to the printed circuit board.
[0117] The wireless communication circuit can be configured to send control signals, including control data (e.g., digital messages) generated by the control circuit, to the lighting load. The wireless communication circuit can also be configured to receive one or more remote control devices (e.g., from the load control system). FIG. 1 The modified remote control device 112 shown is... FIG. 1 The wall-mounted remote control device 114 shown is FIG. 1 The desktop remote control device 116 shown is... FIG. 26 The message (e.g., digital message) is from a handheld remote control device 118, smartphone, tablet computer, computer, etc. shown. The message may include a command to turn the lighting load controlled by the control device 500 on or off. In response to receiving a message from the remote device, the control device 500 may control a controllable conductive device to control the lighting load and adjust the position of the actuating member 510 between an on and off position. For example, the control circuit of the control device 500 may be configured to control the controllable conductive device to turn on the lighting load and adjust the position of the actuating member 510 to the on position in response to receiving a command to turn on the lighting load. Alternatively, the control circuit of the control device 500 may be configured to control the controllable conductive device to turn off the lighting load and adjust the position of the actuating member 510 to the off position in response to receiving a command to turn off the lighting load.
[0118] FIG. 1 This is a perspective view of an example control device 700, which can be deployed as follows: FIG. 2 The lighting control system 100 shown includes a wall-mounted load control device 110, a retrofitted remote control device 112, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device 114. The control device 700 can be configured to be mounted on a panel (e.g., such as...). FIG. 2 The control device 700 may include a user interface 702 (e.g., such as panel 204) in the electrical enclosure. FIG. 26 The user interface 202 shown is configured to be received in an opening in the panel. The control device 700 is configured to control the electrical force delivered to an electrical load (such as a lighting load). The control device 700 is configured to control the lighting load, for example, to turn the lighting load on or off and / or adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load. PRESFor example, the control device 700 can control a lighting load by controlling an internal load control circuit and / or by sending a message to control the lighting load via a communication circuit (e.g., sending a wireless signal via a wireless communication circuit). When the control device 700 is a wall-mounted load control device, such as a wall-mounted dimmer switch, the control device 700 can include a housing 730 to house load control circuitry of the dimmer switch. The control device 700 can be configured to indicate whether a lighting load is on or off, for example, when the lighting load is controlled remotely and / or locally.
[0119] The user interface 702 of the control device 700 can include an actuation member 710 configured to mount to a bezel 712 (e.g., base portion) of the control device 700. The actuation member 710 can be received in an opening in a front surface 711 of the bezel 712. The actuation member 710 can include a front surface 714 including an upper portion 716 and a lower portion 718. The actuation member 710 can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 713 (e.g., central axis) in response to actuation of the upper portion 716 and the lower portion 718. For example, the actuation member 710 of the control device 700 can be a bistable actuator that can be in one of two positions. In response to actuation of the lower portion 718 of the actuation member 710, the actuation member 710 can be in a first position (e.g., an off position) in which the upper portion 716 protrudes from the bezel 712 and the lower portion 718 is positioned proximate to the front surface 711 of the bezel 712 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7B). In response to actuation of the upper portion 716 of the actuation member 710, the actuation member 710 can be in a second position (e.g., an on position) in which the lower portion 718 protrudes from the bezel 712 and the upper portion 716 is positioned proximate to the front surface 711 of the bezel 712. For example, in the first position, the lower portion 716 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 711 of the bezel 712, and in the second position, the upper portion 718 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 711 of the bezel 712. The same applies in reverse
[0120] The control device 700 can be configured to turn on a lighting load in response to actuation of the upper portion 716 and turn off the lighting load in response to actuation of the lower portion 718 (or vice versa). For example, the control device 700 can be configured to turn on the lighting load in response to actuation of the upper portion 716 and turn off the lighting load in response to actuation of the lower portion 718. In some embodiments, the control device 700 can be configured to turn on the lighting load in response to actuation of the lower portion 718 and turn off the lighting load in response to actuation of the upper portion 716. FIG. 4 ). For example, the control device 700 can include a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and a lighting load. The control device 700 can be configured to control the amount of power delivered from the AC power source to the lighting load (e.g., to turn the lighting load on and off) in response to actuation of the actuation member 710. For example, the control device 700 can control the controllably conductive device to turn the lighting load on (e.g., connect the AC power source to the lighting load) in response to actuation of the upper portion 716 of the actuation member 710 and to turn the lighting load off (e.g., disconnect the AC power source from the lighting load) in response to actuation of the lower portion 718 of the actuation member 710.
[0121] The control device 700 can include an analog intensity adjustment actuator, such as a slider actuator 720 having a slider knob 722 configured to move along (e.g., within) an elongated slot, such as a slider slot 724. For example, the analog intensity adjustment actuator can be configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by the lighting load. The slider slot 724 can be an elongated opening in the bezel 712 of the control device 700 and can extend for a length (e.g., such as the length L FIG. 8 and FIG. 37 shown in FIGS. 1-3. SLIDER ). For example, the slider slot 724 can be positioned adjacent to the actuation member 710. The control device 700 can control the magnitude of the load current conducted through the lighting load (e.g., to adjust the present intensity level L PRES ) of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724. Thus, the control device 700 can be configured to adjust the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load from an initial intensity level L INIT to a commanded intensity level L CMD in response to actuation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., movement of the slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724). The position of the slider knob 722 along the length of the slider slot 724 can be indicative of the commanded intensity level L CMD of the lighting load (e.g., via local control). For example, the control device 700 can control the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724 when the lighting load is turned on. The control device 700 can not adjust the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load in response to movement of the slider knob 722 when the lighting load is turned off.However, when the lighting load is off and the upper portion 716 of the actuation member 710 is actuated, the control device 700 can turn the lighting load on to an intensity level determined based on the position of the slider knob 722 within the slider slot 724. The slider knob 722 can be configured to move in a vertical direction along the slider slot 724 between a low end position 726 and a high end position 728. The slider knob 722 of the slider actuator 720 can allow adjustment of the present intensity level L LE of the lighting load (e.g., when the slider knob 722 is in the low end position 726) to a high end intensity level L HE ( e.g., when the slider knob 722 is in the high end position 728). PRES .
[0122] The user interface 702 of the control device 700 can include a visible display, such as the illuminated surface 729. For example, the illuminated surface 729 of the user interface 702 can extend the length of the slider slot 724. The illuminated surface 729 of the user interface 702 can be illuminated to provide a nightlight feature, for example, when the lighting load is off (e.g., in a similar manner to the control device 300 illuminating the illuminated surface 229 in the slider slot 224).
[0123] The control device 700 can include a yoke 740 that can be connected to the housing 730 and can be configured to mount the control device 700 to an electrical wallbox. The bezel 712 can be configured to attach to the yoke 740 (e.g., in a similar manner to the bezel 712 attaching to the yoke 740). Although shown with the housing 730, in some examples, such as when the control device 700 is a wireless remote control device, the housing 730 can be omitted. In such examples, the control device 700 can connect to a base of a toggle or paddle actuator that is secured to a standard light switch.
[0124] The housing 730 can house load control circuitry of the control device 700 that can be mounted to a printed circuit board (not shown) of the control device 700. The printed circuit board of the control device 700 can be similar to the printed circuit board 350 of the control device 300. For example, the printed circuit board can be mounted with any combination of control circuitry (e.g., primary control circuitry), memory, drive circuitry, one or more controllably conductive devices, zero-crossing detector, low voltage power supply, etc. (e.g., as shown in FIG. 38C and FIG. 19 to FIG. 23 The control circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board can be operatively coupled to control inputs of the controllably conductive devices of the load control circuitry, for example, via the drive circuitry. The control circuitry can be used to render the controllably conductive devices conductive or non-conductive, for example, to control power delivered to a lighting load in order to turn the lighting load on and off.
[0125] The control device 700 may include one or more mechanical switches, such as switches configured to open and close in response to a corresponding actuation of the actuating member 710 (e.g., in a manner similar to the operation of the actuating member 510 of the control device 500) (e.g., switch 550 of the control device 500). When the upper portion 716 of the actuating member 710 is pressed (e.g., when the actuating member 710 is in the ON position), the control device 700 (e.g., the actuating member 710) may actuate the switch to close the switch and turn on the lighting load. When the lower portion 718 of the actuating member 710 is pressed (e.g., when the actuating member 710 is in the OFF position), the control device 700 may actuate the switch to open the switch and turn off the lighting load. The control device 700 may include an over-center spring mechanism (e.g., such as...) for causing the actuating member 710 to remain stationary in the ON or OFF position. FIG. 37 The over-center spring mechanism 570 shown in the figure.
[0126] The control device 700 may include a potentiometer (e.g., potentiometer 356) having a shaft mechanically coupled to a slider knob 722. The potentiometer may be configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage, which may be received by control circuitry such that the control circuitry can adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load in response to the position of the slider knob 722 along the length of the slider slot 724. PRES From low-end strength level L LE Adjust to high-end strength level L HE .
[0127] Control device 700 may include communication circuitry, such as wireless communication circuitry (e.g., FIG. 38A to FIG. 38E and FIG. 1 The communication circuit 1022 shown is an example. The wireless communication circuit may include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit may also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. For example, the antenna may be located on a printed circuit board, on an additional printed circuit board vertically mounted to and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and / or on an additional printed circuit board magnetically and / or capacitively coupled to the printed circuit board. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit control signals, including control data (e.g., digital messages) generated by the control circuitry, to the lighting load. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to receive one or more remote control devices (e.g., remote control devices) from the load control system. FIG. 1 The modified remote control device 112 shown is... FIG. 1 The wall-mounted remote control device 114 shown is... FIG. 1 The desktop remote control device 116 shown is...The same applies in reverse a message (e.g., a digital message) from a remote device (e.g., a handheld remote control device 118 shown in FIG. 1, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a computer, etc.). The message can include a command to turn on or off a lighting load controlled by the control device 700 and / or a command to adjust a present intensity level L PRES from an initial intensity level L INIT to a commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the message.
[0128] In response to receiving a message from a remote device including a command to turn on or off a lighting load, the control device 700 can adjust a position of the actuating member 710 between an on position and an off position. For example, a control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to adjust the position of the actuating member 710 to the on position upon receiving a command to turn on an electrical load. Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to adjust the position of the actuating member 710 to the off position upon receiving a command to turn off an electrical load. The control device 700 can include a first actuator adjustment system (e.g., such as the actuator adjustment system 600 of the control device 500) for adjusting the position of the actuating member 710 (e.g., between the on position and the off position). The first actuator adjustment system can include a motor (e.g., the motor 610) and a gear assembly (e.g., the gear assembly 620) that can couple a drive shaft of the motor to an over-center spring mechanism. The control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to control the motor of the first actuator adjustment system to adjust the actuating member 710 from the off position to the on position, and FIG. 27 (e.g., in a similar manner as the operation of the actuator adjustment system 600 as described herein).
[0129] In response to receiving a message from a remote device including a command to adjust a present intensity level L PRES of a lighting load, the control device 700 can control the lighting load to a commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the command (e.g., a remote control command) in the message. For example, a control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to adjust a position of the slider knob 722 along a length of the slider slot 724 in response to the commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the command in the message. The position of the slider knob 722 along the length of the slider slot 724 can indicate a commanded intensity level L CMD of the lighting load (e.g., via local control and remote control). The present intensity level L PRESThe position of the slider knob 722 along the length of the slider slot 724 can be synchronized in response to both local control and remote control. The control device 700 can include a second actuator adjustment system (e.g., such as the actuator adjustment system 400 of the control device 300) for adjusting the position of the slider knob 722 along the length of the slider slot 724. The second actuator adjustment system can include a motor (e.g., such as the motor 410) and a gear assembly (e.g., such as the gear assembly 420, such as a rack and pinion assembly) that can couple a drive shaft of the motor to a shaft of a potentiometer of the control device 700. The control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to control the motor of the second actuator adjustment system to adjust the position of the slider knob 722 along the length of the slider slot 724 (e.g., in a similar manner to the operation of the actuator adjustment system 400 described above).
[0130] The control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to control the second actuator adjustment system to adjust the position of the slider knob 722 to indicate the current intensity level L PRES of the lighting load. Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 700 can also be configured to control the position of the slider knob 722 to indicate other status information of the control device 700 and / or the lighting load (e.g., in addition to the current intensity level L PRES of the lighting load). For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the position of the slider knob 722 with controlled movement (e.g., animated movement) to indicate an operating mode of the control device 700. The control circuit can be configured to, for example, periodically control (e.g., cycle) the position of the slider knob 722 up and down across the length of the slider slot 724 to indicate when the control device 700 is in an association mode (e.g., during an association process) for associating the control device 700 with one or more remote control devices. Additionally, the control circuit can be configured to control the position of the slider knob 722 to a plurality of discrete positions (e.g., four positions) in a step-wise (e.g., non-continuous) manner to indicate that the control device 700 is changing to a different control mode, such as a fan speed control mode. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the position of the slider knob 722 to the plurality of discrete positions in a step-wise manner by controlling the position of the slider knob 722 to a first position (e.g., approximately 20% along the length of the slider slot 724), and then waiting for a certain wait period (e.g., approximately one second), controlling the position of the slider knob 722 to a second position (e.g., approximately 40% along the length of the slider slot 724), and then waiting for the wait period, controlling the position of the slider knob 722 to a third position (e.g., approximately 60% along the length of the slider slot 724), and then waiting for the wait period, and controlling the position of the slider knob 722 to a fourth position (e.g., approximately 80% along the length of the slider slot 724).
[0131] When the position of the adjustment slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724 is adjusted, the control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to stop driving the motor of the second actuator adjustment system to stop adjusting the position of the adjustment slider knob 722 in response to determining that the user is presently actuating the adjustment slider knob 722 to move the adjustment slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724. For example, the control circuit can determine that the user is actuating the adjustment slider knob 722 when the shaft of the potentiometer is not in an expected position and / or when a motor drive voltage used to drive the motor indicates an unexpected condition while the control circuit is driving the motor.
[0132] Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 700 can be configured to control the second actuator adjustment system to provide feedback to the user when the user is manually adjusting the position of the adjustment slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the second actuator adjustment system to provide detents (e.g., points of higher resistance) in the movement of the adjustment slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724. When the user is sliding the adjustment slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724, the control circuit can be configured to provide one of the detents by controlling the motor to cause the drive shaft to rotate in a direction that causes the rack plate to move in a direction opposite to the direction in which the user is moving the adjustment slider knob 722 for a predetermined (e.g., short) period of time. Controlling the second actuator adjustment system to provide the detents can not impede the movement of the adjustment slider knob 722 by the user, but can provide a slight bump in the movement of the adjustment slider knob 722 to signal the detents to the user. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the motor to provide the detents at one or more positions along the length of the slider slot 724 (e.g., to indicate intensity levels such as 25%, 50%, and / or 75%). Additionally, the control circuit can be configured to control the second actuator adjustment system to generate a vibration of the adjustment slider knob 722 at one or more positions along the slider slot 724. When the user is sliding the adjustment slider knob 722 along the slider slot 724, the control circuit can be configured to generate the vibration of the adjustment slider knob 722 by increasing the frequency of the motor drive voltage that drives the motor. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the motor to generate the vibration at one or more positions along the length of the slider slot 724 to indicate a preset intensity level (e.g., a favorite or a stored current intensity level).
[0133] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an example control device 800, and FIG. 1 is a front view of the example control device 800, which can be deployed as FIG. 2 a wall-mounted load control device 110, a retrofit remote control device 112, and / or a wall-mounted remote control device 114 in the lighting control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. The control device 800 can be configured to be installed in a wallbox having a faceplate (e.g., such as the faceplate 116 shown in FIG. 1) and a mounting bracket (e.g., such as the mounting bracket 118 shown in FIG. 1). The control device 800 can be configured to be installed in a wallbox having a faceplate (e.g., such as the faceplate 116 shown in FIG. 1) and a mounting bracket (e.g., such as the mounting bracket 118 shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 27The control device 800 can include a user interface 802 that can be configured to be received in an opening of the faceplate 204). The control device 800 can be configured to control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a lighting load. The control device 800 can be configured to control the lighting load, e.g., to turn the lighting load on or off. For example, the control device 800 can control the lighting load by controlling an internal load control circuit (e.g., a controllably conductive device of the control device 800) and / or by sending a message to control the lighting load via a communication circuit (e.g., sending a wireless signal via a wireless communication circuit). The control device 800 can be configured to instruct the lighting load to be turned on or off, e.g., when the lighting load is controlled remotely and / or locally. When the control device 800 is a wall-mounted load control device, such as a wall-mounted electronic, the control device 800 can include a housing 830 to house load control circuitry of the electronic switch.
[0134] The user interface 802 of the control device 800 can include an actuation member 810 configured to be mounted to a base portion 812 (e.g., bezel) of the control device 800. The actuation member 810 can be received in an opening in a front surface 811 of the bezel 812. The actuation member 810 can include a front surface 814 including an upper portion 816 and a lower portion 818. The actuation member 810 can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis 813 (e.g., central axis) in response to actuation of the upper portion 816 and the lower portion 818. For example, the actuation member 810 of the control device 800 can be a bistable actuator that can be in one of two positions. In response to actuation of the lower portion 818 of the actuation member 810, the actuation member 810 can be in a first position (e.g., off position) in which the upper portion 816 protrudes from the bezel 812 and the lower portion 818 is positioned proximate the front surface 811 of the bezel 812 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8A). In response to actuation of the upper portion 816 of the actuation member 810, the actuation member 810 can be in a second position (e.g., on position) in which the lower portion 818 protrudes from the bezel 812 and the upper portion 816 is positioned proximate the front surface 811 of the bezel 812. For example, in the first position, the lower portion 816 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 811 of the bezel 812, and in the second position, the upper portion 818 can be parallel and / or flush with the front surface 811 of the bezel 812. The same applies in reverse
[0135] The control device 800 can be configured to turn the lighting load on in response to actuation of the upper portion 816 and turn the lighting load off in response to actuation of the lower portion 818 (or vice versa). FIG. 37 For example, the control device 800 can include a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and a lighting load. The control device 800 can be configured to control an amount of power delivered from the AC power source to the lighting load (e.g., to turn the lighting load on and off) in response to actuation of the actuation member 810. For example, the control device 800 can control the controllably conductive device to turn the lighting load on (e.g., connect the AC power source to the lighting load) in response to actuation of the upper portion 816 of the actuation member 810 and to turn the lighting load off (e.g., disconnect the AC power source from the lighting load) in response to actuation of the lower portion 818 of the actuation member 810.
[0136] The control device 800 can include a yoke 840 configured to be connected to the housing 830. The yoke 840 can be configured to mount the control device 800 to an electrical wallbox. The bezel 812 can be configured to be attached to the yoke 840 (e.g., in a similar manner as the bezel 312 is attached to the yoke 340). Although shown with the housing 830, in some examples, such as when the control device 800 is a wireless remote control device, the housing 830 can be omitted. In such examples, the control device 800 can be connected to a base of a toggle or paddle actuator that is secured to a standard light switch.
[0137] The housing 830 can house load control circuitry of the control device 800, which can be mounted to a printed circuit board (not shown) of the control device 800. The printed circuit board of the control device 800 can be similar to the printed circuit board 350 of the control device 300. For example, the printed circuit board can be mounted with any combination of control circuitry (e.g., primary control circuitry), memory, drive circuitry, one or more controllably conductive devices, zero-crossing detector, low voltage power supply, etc. (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). The control circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board can be operatively coupled to control inputs of the controllably conductive devices of the load control circuitry, for example, via the drive circuitry. The control circuitry can be used to render the controllably conductive devices conductive or non-conductive, for example, to control power delivered to a lighting load in order to turn the lighting load on and off. FIG. 38D and FIG. 29 The control circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board can be operatively coupled to control inputs of the controllably conductive devices of the load control circuitry, for example, via the drive circuitry. The control circuitry can be used to render the controllably conductive devices conductive or non-conductive, for example, to control power delivered to a lighting load in order to turn the lighting load on and off.
[0138] FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the control device 800. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the control device 800 through a center of the control device 800 (e.g., through a center of the actuation member 810). FIG. 30The control device 800 can include one or more mechanical switches, such as a switch 850 (e.g., a maintained switch). For example, the switch 850 can include a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch or a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. The switch 850 can include a switch housing 852 that houses electrical contacts of the switch 850. The switch 850 can also include a plunger 854 that can extend from the switch housing 852 and that can be actuated to open and / or close the electrical contacts of the switch 850. The plunger 854 of the switch 850 can extend through the central opening 842 of the yoke 840.
[0139] The switch 850 can include electrical terminals 856 that can be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts of the switch 850. The electrical terminals 856 can be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board for electrically coupling the electrical contacts of the switch 850 to load control circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board. The control circuit mounted to the printed circuit board can respond to actuation (e.g., opening and closing) of the switch 850 (e.g., to turn on and off a lighting load). For example, when the switch 850 is a single-pole double-throw switch, the electrical contacts of the switch 850 can be closed when the plunger 854 is depressed, and the electrical contacts of the switch 850 can be opened when the plunger 854 is released. When the switch 850 is a double-pole single-throw switch, one of the electrical terminals 856 can be a common terminal, and the other two terminals can be switched terminals. The switch 850 can be configured to alternately connect the common terminal to one of the two switched terminals in response to actuation of the plunger 854.
[0140] The actuation member 810 can be pivotably mounted within the recess 860 of the bezel 812. The bezel 812 can include a plate portion 862 and sidewalls 864 that define the recess 860. The bezel 812 can further include two posts 866 (e.g., circular posts) that extend from the sidewalls 864 (e.g., from opposing sidewalls) about midway between the top and bottom of the recess 860. The posts 866 can be received in the openings 815 in the sidewalls 817 of the actuation member 810 when the actuation member 810 is positioned in the recess 860 of the bezel 812. The posts 866 can define a pivot axis 813 about which the actuation member 810 pivots.
[0141] The actuation member 810 can include a tab 858 that extends from one of the sidewalls 817 of the actuation member 810 (e.g., as shown in the right side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 8B). The tab 858 can be received in the opening 844 of the yoke 840 when the actuation member 810 is positioned in the recess 860 of the bezel 812. The tab 858 can be received in the opening 844 of the yoke 840 when the actuation member 810 is positioned in the recess 860 of the bezel 812. The same applies in reverseThe tab 858 can be configured to actuate the plunger 854 when the upper portion 816 of the actuation member 810 is pressed. When the upper portion 816 of the actuation member 810 is depressed toward the yoke 840, the actuation member 810 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 813 (e.g., into the on position) such that the tab 858 extends through an opening 868 (e.g., a slot) in the plate portion 862 of the bezel 812 and presses on (e.g., exerts a force on) the plunger 854 (e.g., to close the electrical contacts of the switch 850). When the lower portion 818 of the actuation member 810 is depressed toward the yoke 840, the actuation member 810 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 813 (e.g., into the off position) such that the tab 858 releases the plunger 854 (e.g., does not press on the plunger) (e.g., to open the electrical contacts of the switch 850). The control circuit of the control device 800 can be configured to turn the lighting load on when the actuation member 810 is in the on position (e.g., and the electrical contacts of the switch 850 are closed) and turn the lighting load off when the actuation member 810 is in the off position (e.g., and the electrical contacts of the switch 850 are open). In some examples, the control device 800 can be configured to control the lighting load of the lighting control system to turn the lighting load on in response to the tab 858 pressing the plunger 854 of the switch 850 and turn the lighting load off in response to the tab 858 releasing the plunger 854 of the switch 850 (or vice versa). FIG. 30 FIG. 30 ).
[0142] The control device 800 can include an over-center spring mechanism 870 for causing the actuation member 810 to remain in the on position or the off position. The over-center spring mechanism 870 can include a spring 872 (e.g., an over-center spring) and a pivot member 874. For example, the spring 872 can be a coil spring. The spring 872 can extend between the actuation member 810 and the pivot member 874 through an opening 865 in the plate portion 862 of the bezel 812. For example, the spring 872 can be attached to the actuation member 810 at a tab 875 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8B) on the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810 and to the pivot member 874 at a tab 877 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8B) on the pivot member 874. The pivot member 874 can be attached to the yoke 840 at a pivot axis 813 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8B). The pivot member 874 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 813 (e.g., into the on position or the off position) in response to the actuation member 810 being pressed (e.g., by a user) toward the yoke 840. For example, the pivot member 874 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 813 (e.g., into the on position) in response to the actuation member 810 being pressed (e.g., by a user) toward the yoke 840 when the actuation member 810 is in the off position. The pivot member 874 can be configured to pivot about the pivot axis 813 (e.g., into the off position) in response to the actuation member 810 being pressed (e.g., by a user) toward the yoke 840 when the actuation member 810 is in the on position. FIG. 30(As shown in the diagram) A protrusion 876 extends onto the pivot member 874. For example, a protrusion 875 may extend from the rear surface 819 of the actuating member 810, and a protrusion 876 may extend from the pivot member 874. Protrusions 875 and 876 may be received in opposite ends of the spring 872 for holding the spring 872 in place. The pivot member 874 may be pivotally supported (e.g., pivotally coupled to) by a support rod 880 (e.g., a cylindrical rod) extending between opposite sides 882 of an opening 865 in the plate portion 862 of the frame 812. For example, the support rod 880 may define a pivot axis of the pivot member 874. The pivot member 874 may include a channel 878 (e.g., a cylindrical channel) in which the support rod 880 may be received. For example, the support rod 880 may be configured to engage in the channel 878. The pivot member 874 may include an arm 879 configured to partially enclose a rod 884 of the support member 880 of the pivot member 874 for retaining the pivot member 874 attached to the rod 884 (e.g., as shown in the image). FIG. 31A to FIG. 32E (as shown in the image).
[0143] The control device 800 may include an actuator adjustment system 890 for allowing control circuitry of the control device 800 to adjust the position of the actuating member 810 (e.g., between an on and off position). The actuator adjustment system 890 may include one or more solenoids, such as a first solenoid 892a and a second solenoid 892b (e.g., a drive solenoid). The first solenoid 892a and the second solenoid 892b may be located between the actuating member 810 and the electrical enclosure (e.g., within the electrical enclosure). For example, the first solenoid 892a may be positioned behind the upper portion 816 of the actuating member 810, and the second solenoid 892b may be positioned behind the lower portion 818 of the actuating member 810 (e.g., as shown in the image). FIG. 28The first solenoid 892a and the second solenoid 892b can each include a respective body 894a, 894b and a pin 895a, 895b. The first solenoid 892a and the second solenoid 892b can each include a respective pair of electrical leads 896a, 896b (e.g., wires) configured to be electrically coupled to solenoid drive circuitry mounted to the printed circuit board. The pins 895a, 895b can be configured to extend from the bodies 894a, 894b of the respective solenoids 892a, 892b when the solenoids are energized. The pin 895a of the first solenoid 892a can be configured to extend through the central opening 842 of the yoke 840 to contact the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810 when the upper portion 816 is depressed (e.g., in the on position), and the pin 895b of the second solenoid 892b can be configured to extend through the central opening 842 of the yoke 840 to contact the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810 when the lower portion 818 is depressed (e.g., in the off position). The actuation member 810 can have a first damping pad 898a (e.g., a first piece of damping material) at a location where the pin 895a of the first solenoid 892a contacts the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810, and a second damping pad 898b (e.g., a second piece of damping material) at a location where the pin 895b of the second solenoid 892b contacts the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810. The first and second pieces of damping material 898a, 898b can operate to minimize noise generated by operation of the solenoids and contact between the pins 895a, 895b and the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810.
[0144] The control circuit can be configured to control the solenoid drive circuitry to cause the pin 895a of the first solenoid 892a to extend from the body 894a and contact the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810 behind the upper portion 816 to adjust the actuation member 810 to the off position. The control circuit can be configured to control the solenoid drive circuitry to cause the pin 895b of the second solenoid 892b to extend from the body 894b and contact the back surface 819 of the actuation member 810 behind the lower portion 818 to adjust the actuation member 810 to the on position. The over-center spring mechanism 870 can hold the actuation member 810 in the position to which the actuation member 810 has been adjusted by the solenoids 892a, 892b. For example, the control circuit can be configured to energize only the first solenoid 892a to adjust the actuation member 810 to the off position, and to energize only the second solenoid 892b to adjust the actuation member 810 to the on position.
[0145] In some examples, the control circuit can be configured to energize both solenoids as part of an adjustment sequence when adjusting the actuation member 810 between the on and off positions. FIG. 31A to FIG. 31EIt is the control device 800 passing through the center of the control device 800 (e.g., passing through the center of the control device 800). FIG. 32A to FIG. 32E The left cross-sectional view (shown as a line) is taken. FIG. 31A to FIG. 31E A first adjustment sequence is shown, during which the actuator adjustment system 890 adjusts the actuator 810 from the off position to the on position, and FIG. 31A A second adjustment sequence is shown, during which the actuator adjustment system 890 adjusts the actuator 810 from the on position to the off position.
[0146] like FIG. 31B As shown, as part of a first adjustment sequence, the control circuit can control the first solenoid 892a and the second solenoid 892b to adjust the actuating member 810 from the off position to the on position. The actuating member 810 can be initially in the off position, and the pins 895a and 895b of the solenoids 892a and 892b can each be in the retracted position, as shown. FIG. 31C As shown in the diagram. The control circuit can begin the first adjustment sequence by first extending pin 895a of the first solenoid 892a (e.g., the solenoid behind the initially unpressed portion of the actuating member 810) behind the upper portion 816 of the actuating member 810 to preload the actuating member 810, as shown in the diagram. FIG. 31D As shown in the diagram. Next, the control circuit may extend pins 892b of the second solenoid 892b (e.g., the solenoid behind the initially pressed portion of the actuating member 810) such that each pin is in the extended position and the actuating member 810 is partially pivoted (e.g., pivoted to the midpoint between the off and on positions), as shown in the diagram. FIG. 31E As shown in the diagram. For example, the force exerted by pin 892b of the second solenoid 892b on the actuating member 810 can be approximately equal to the force exerted by pin 892a of the first solenoid 892a. The control circuit can then cause pin 895a of the first solenoid 892a behind the upper portion 816 of the actuating member 810 to retract (e.g., slightly) to allow pin 895b of the second solenoid 892b to push the actuating member 810, causing the actuating member 810 to complete its pivoting to the ON position, as shown in the diagram. FIG. 32A to FIG. 32E As shown in the diagram. The control circuit can perform the first adjustment sequence by de-energizing the first solenoid 892a and the second solenoid 892b, causing both pins 895a and 895b to retract (e.g., fully retract), so that the over-center spring mechanism 870 can hold the actuating member 810 in the ON position, as shown. FIG. 32A As shown in the image.
[0147] like FIG. 32BAs shown, as part of the second adjustment sequence, the control circuit can control the first solenoid 892a and the second solenoid 892b to adjust the actuating member 810 from the ON position to the OFF position. The actuating member 810 can initially be in the ON position, and the pins 895a and 895b of the solenoids 892a and 892b can each be in the retracted position, as shown... FIG. 32C As shown in the diagram. The control circuit can begin the second adjustment sequence by first preloading the actuating member 810 by extending pin 895b of the second solenoid 892b (e.g., the solenoid behind the initially unpressed portion of the actuating member 810) behind the lower portion 818 of the actuating member 810, as shown in the diagram. FIG. 32D As shown in the diagram. Next, the control circuit may extend pins 892a of the first solenoid 892a (e.g., the solenoid behind the initially pressed portion of the actuating member 810) such that each pin is in the extended position and the actuating member 810 is partially pivoted (e.g., pivoted to the midpoint between the on and off positions), as shown in the diagram. FIG. 32E As shown in the diagram. For example, the force exerted by pin 892a of the first solenoid 892a on the actuating member 810 can be approximately equal to the force exerted by pin 892b of the second solenoid 892b. Then, the control circuit can cause a slight retraction of pin 895b of the second solenoid 892b behind the lower portion 818 of the actuating member 810, allowing pin 895a of the first solenoid 892a to push the actuating member 810, causing the actuating member 810 to complete its pivoting to the ON position, as shown in the diagram. FIG. 37 As shown in the diagram. The control circuit can perform the second adjustment sequence by de-energizing the second solenoids 892a and 892b so that both pins 895a and 895b retract (e.g., fully retract), such that the over-center spring mechanism 870 can hold the actuating member 810 in the off position, as shown in the diagram. FIG. 38A to FIG. 38E As shown in the image.
[0148] Control device 800 may include communication circuitry, such as wireless communication circuitry (e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 The communication circuit 1022 shown is an example. The wireless communication circuit may include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit may also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. For example, the antenna may be located on a printed circuit board, on an additional printed circuit board vertically mounted to and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, and / or on an additional printed circuit board magnetically and / or capacitively coupled to the printed circuit board.
[0149] The wireless communication circuitry can be configured to send control signals including control data (e.g., digital messages) generated by the control circuitry to lighting loads. The wireless communication circuitry can be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) from one or more remote control devices of a load control system (e.g., FIG. 1 the retrofit remote control device 112 shown in FIGS. 1-2, FIG. 1 the wall-mounted remote control device 114 shown in FIGS. 1-2, FIG. 33 the table-top remote control device 116 shown in FIGS. 1-2, FIG. 34 the handheld remote control device 118 shown in FIGS. 1-2, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a computer, etc.). The messages can include commands to turn on or turn off lighting loads controlled by the control device. In response to receiving a message from a remote device, the control device 800 can control the controllably conductive device to control the lighting load and adjust the position of the actuating member 810 between an on position and an off position. For example, the control circuitry of the control device 800 can be configured to control the controllably conductive device to turn on the lighting load and adjust the position of the actuating member 810 to the on position in response to receiving a command to turn on the lighting load. Additionally, the control circuitry of the control device 800 can be configured to control the controllably conductive device to turn off the lighting load and adjust the position of the actuating member 810 to the off position in response to receiving a command to turn off the lighting load.
[0150] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an example control device 900, and FIG. 36 is a front view of the example control device 900, which can be deployed as a wall-mounted load control device 110 in the lighting control system 100. The control device 900 can include a user interface 902 and a faceplate 904. The user interface 902 of the control device 900 can include an analog intensity adjustment actuator, such as a rotary knob 910. The rotary knob 910 can be configured to be rotatable relative to a collar 920. The control device 900 can include the collar 920 positioned between the rotary knob 910 and the faceplate 904. The rotary knob 910 can be configured to be rotatable relative to the collar 920. For example, the rotary knob 910 can be characterized by a non-continuous rotation having a high end stop point and a low end stop point. The low end stop point can be associated with a minimum intensity level of a lighting load. The high end stop point can be associated with a maximum intensity level of the lighting load. The control device 900 can be configured to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a lighting load. The control device 900 can be configured to turn the lighting load on and off in response to actuation of the knob 910 pushing the knob 910 toward the faceplate 904. The control device 900 can be configured to adjust the present intensity level L PRESFor example, the control device 900 can control a lighting load by controlling internal load control circuitry and / or by sending a message for controlling the lighting load via communication circuitry (e.g., sending a wireless signal via wireless communication circuitry).
[0151] For example, the internal load control circuit of the control device 900 can include a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and a lighting load. The control device 900 can control the controllably conductive device to turn the lighting load on (e.g., connect the AC power source to the lighting load) and to turn the lighting load off (e.g., disconnect the AC power source from the lighting load) in response to actuation (e.g., depression) of the rotary knob 910. The control device 900 can control the magnitude of a load current conducted through the lighting load (e.g., to adjust a present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load) in response to rotation of the rotary knob 910. Thus, the control device 900 can be configured to adjust the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load from an initial intensity level L INIT to a commanded intensity level L CMD The position of the indicator 912 on the rotary knob 910 along the circumference of the rotary knob 910 can indicate the commanded intensity level L CMD of the lighting load (e.g., via local control). For example, the indicator 912 of the rotary knob 910 can be in a first position (e.g., such as a zero degree position) when the rotary knob 910 is at a low end stop point, and the indicator 912 of the rotary knob 910 can be in a second position (e.g., such as a 360 degree position) when the rotary knob 910 is at a high end stop point. The control device 900 can control the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load in response to rotation of the rotary knob 910 when the lighting load is on. The control device 900 can not adjust the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load in response to rotation of the rotary knob 910 when the lighting load is off. However, the control device 900 can turn the lighting load on to an intensity level determined based on the angular position of the rotary knob 910 when the lighting load is off and the rotary knob 910 is depressed.
[0152] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the control device 900 with the rotary knob 910 removed. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the control device 900 through a center of the control device 900 (e.g., through the center of the rotary knob 910). FIG. 38EA right side cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 9 is shown. Control device 900 can include a housing 930 for containing load control circuitry of control device 900. Control device 900 can include a yoke 940 that can be connected to housing 930 and can be configured to mount control device 900 to an electrical wallbox. Load control circuitry of control device 900 can be mounted to a printed circuit board 950 that can be contained within housing 930. For example, printed circuit board 950 can be mounted with any combination of control circuitry (e.g., primary control circuitry), memory, drive circuitry, one or more controllably conductive devices, zero-crossing detector, low voltage power supply, etc. (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). FIG. 36 and FIG. 36 .
[0153] Control device 900 can include a potentiometer 952 having a shaft 954 that extends through an opening 906 of faceplate 904. Control device 900 can include a mounting member 960. Shaft 954 of potentiometer 952 can extend through an opening 955 in printed circuit board 950. Potentiometer 952 can include a housing 956 configured to house a switch and a resistive element of potentiometer 952. Potentiometer 952 (e.g., the switch and variable resistive element of potentiometer 952) can be electrically connected to load control circuitry on printed circuit board 950 via wires (not shown) connected to pins 958 of potentiometer 952. Rotary knob 910 can be coupled to shaft 954 of potentiometer 952. The variable resistive element of potentiometer 952 can be characterized by a variable impedance (e.g., resistance) and can be configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage that can be received by control circuitry and can have a magnitude representative of an amount of power desired to be delivered to a lighting load and, thus, a present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load. The resistance of potentiometer 952 and, thus, the magnitude of the DC voltage generated by potentiometer 952 can be adjusted in response to rotation (e.g., user input) of rotary knob 910 and, thus, shaft 954 of potentiometer 952 in order to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. Rotation of rotary knob 910 and, thus, shaft 954 of potentiometer 952 can allow a user to adjust the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load from a low end intensity level L LE to a high end intensity level L HE . Additionally, the switch of potentiometer 952 can be actuated in response to a push of shaft 954 toward housing 956. Actuation of rotary knob 910 and, thus, the switch of potentiometer 952 can allow a user to turn the lighting load on and off.
[0154] The control device 900 can include a mounting member 960. The mounting member 960 can be configured to secure (e.g., removably secure) the collar 920 thereto. The mounting member 960 can include compliant members 962 configured to extend through the openings 906 of the faceplate 904 and protrude beyond the front surface 908 of the faceplate 904. The compliant members 962 can extend on opposite sides of the shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952. The compliant members 962 can be received within the collar 920 when the compliant members 962 protrude beyond the front surface 908. Each of the compliant members 962 can define a ratchet surface 964. The ratchet surface 964 can include a plurality of teeth 965. The ratchet surface 964 of each of the compliant members 962 can be distal (e.g., facing away from) the shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952.
[0155] The mounting member 960 can include one or more light pipe structures 966. For example, the light pipe structures 966 can be connected to the compliant members 962. The light pipe structures 966 can be configured to conduct light from one or more light sources inside the control device 900 to the rotary knob 910 and / or the faceplate 904 (e.g., the front surface 908). For example, light emitted by the one or more light sources is directed through the gap 921 between the rotary knob 910 and the faceplate 904, e.g., to illuminate the front surface 908 of the faceplate 904. For example, the light sources can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 948 mounted to the printed circuit board 950 adjacent respective ends of the light pipe structures 966 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B). For example, at least a portion of the mounting member 960 (e.g., the compliant members 962 and / or the light pipe structures 966) can be made of a transparent and / or translucent material. FIG. 37
[0156] The control device 900 can be configured to provide a nightlight feature by emitting light from the collar 920. The mounting member 960 can be configured to conduct light emitted by the LEDs 948 through the respective light pipe structures 966 and the respective compliant members 962 to the interior of the collar 920. The collar 920 can include an opaque portion 922 and a translucent portion 924. The translucent portion 924 can be made of a transparent or translucent (e.g., diffusive) material and can be configured to conduct light emitted by the LEDs 948 and emit light around the perimeter of the collar 920. The opaque portion 922 can be made of an opaque material and can be configured to prevent light emitted by the LEDs 948 from passing through the opaque portion 922. For example, the opaque portion 922 can be configured to direct light from the LEDs 948 through the translucent portion 924 and toward the front surface 908 of the faceplate 904.
[0157] The collar 920 can be configured to attach to the mounting member 960. For example, the collar 920 can be configured to attach to the mounting member 960 via a ratchet surface 964 of the conforming member 962, such that the collar 920 surrounds the axis 954 of the potentiometer 952. When the collar 920 is attached to the mounting member 960, the translucent portion 924 can be substantially flush with the panel 904. The translucent portion 924 may include one or more tabs 926 on opposite sides of the translucent portion 924 (e.g., such as...). FIG. 38A to FIG. 38E (Two tabs shown). The collar 920 can be attached to the mounting member 960 via engagement of the two tabs 926 with the corresponding ratchet surfaces 964 of the compliant member 962. For example, each tab of the tabs 926 can be configured to abut a corresponding compliant member of the compliant member 962 such that the tab 926 engages with adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth 965 (e.g., between adjacent teeth). As the collar 920 is pressed against the panel 904, the tabs 926 move to engage with successive teeth of the plurality of teeth 965, e.g., until the translucent portion 924 abuts the front surface 908 of the panel 904. The ratchet function of the two tabs 926 with the corresponding ratchet surfaces 964 of the compliant member 962 ensures that the translucent portion 924 abuts the front surface 908 of the panel 904, e.g., even when the collar 920 is mounted on the panel at different depths.
[0158] Control device 900 may include communication circuitry, such as wireless communication circuitry (e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 The communication circuit 1022 shown is an example. The wireless communication circuit may include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit may also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, and / or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to send control signals, including control data (e.g., digital messages) generated by the control circuit, to the lighting load. The wireless communication circuit may be configured to receive one or more remote control devices (e.g., from the load control system). FIG. 1 The modified remote control device 112 shown is... FIG. 1 The wall-mounted remote control device 114 shown is FIG. 37 The desktop remote control device 116 shown is... FIG. 1 to FIG. 36 The messages (e.g., digital messages) from the handheld remote control device 118, smartphone, tablet computer, computer, etc. shown in the diagram may include the current intensity level L of the lighting load controlled by the control device 900. PRES From the initial intensity level L of the lighting load INIT Adjust to the intensity level L commanded by the message.CMD The commands can be received from a remote device (e.g., a remote control device). For example, the commands can be received from a remote device via a wireless communication link. The commands can be received from a remote device via a wired communication link. The commands can be received from a remote device via a wired communication link and a wireless communication link. For example, the antenna can be located on the printed circuit board 950, on an additional printed circuit board that is mounted perpendicularly to and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board 950, and / or on an additional printed circuit board that is magnetically and / or capacitively coupled to the printed circuit board 950.
[0159] In response to receiving the message from the remote device, the control device 900 can control the lighting load to the commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the command (e.g., a remote control command) in the message. For example, the control circuit of the control device 900 can be configured to adjust the position (e.g., the angular position) of the rotary knob 910 along the circumference of the rotary knob 910 in response to the commanded intensity level L CMD indicated by the command in the message. The position of the rotary knob 910 along the circumference of the rotary knob 910 can be indicative of the commanded intensity level L CMD of the lighting load (e.g., via local control and remote control). The present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load can be synchronized with the position of the rotary knob 910 along the circumference of the rotary knob 910 in response to both local control and remote control.
[0160] The control device 900 can include an actuator adjustment system 970 to allow the control circuit of the control device 900 to adjust the position of the rotary knob 910 along the circumference of the rotary knob 910. The actuator adjustment system 970 can include a motor 980 and a gear assembly 990 including a first gear 992 (e.g., a circular gear) and a second gear 994 (e.g., a circular gear). The gear assembly 990 can be operably coupled to the rotary knob 910 (e.g., via the potentiometer 952). The motor 980 can include a drive shaft 982 that the motor 980 can be configured to rotate. The gear assembly 990 can be configured to couple (e.g., mechanically couple) the drive shaft 982 of the motor 980 to the shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952. The motor 980 can be housed within the housing 930, and the drive shaft 982 of the motor 980 is configured to extend through an opening 959 in the printed circuit board 950. The drive shaft 982 of the motor 980 can be coupled to the second gear 994 for rotating the second gear 994. The first gear 992 can be coupled to the shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952. The first gear 992 can include a plurality of teeth (not shown) (e.g., such as the teeth 642 of the first gear 640 of the actuator adjustment system 600) arranged around the circumference of the first gear 992. The second gear 994 can include a plurality of teeth (not shown) (e.g., similar to the teeth 632 of the second gear 630 of the actuator adjustment system 900) arranged around the circumference of the second gear 994. The teeth of the second gear 994 can be engaged with the teeth of the first gear 992 such that rotation of the drive shaft 982 of the motor 980 can cause rotation of the drive shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952. When the motor 980 is rotated in a first angular direction, the rotary knob 910 can be rotated clockwise. When the motor 980 is rotated in a second angular direction, the rotary knob 910 can be rotated counterclockwise.
[0161] The control circuit of the control device 900 can be configured to control the second actuator adjustment system to adjust the position of the rotary knob 910 to indicate the present intensity level L PRES Additionally, the control circuit of the control device 700 can also be configured to control the position of the rotary knob 910 to indicate other status information of the control device 900 and / or the lighting load (e.g., other than the present intensity level L PRESIn addition, the control circuit can be configured to control the position of the rotary knob 910 in a step-wise (e.g., non-continuous) manner to a plurality of discrete positions to indicate that the control device 900 is changing to a different control mode, such as a fan speed control mode. For example, the control circuit can be configured to control the position of the rotary knob 910 to the plurality of discrete positions in a step-wise manner by controlling the position of the rotary knob 910 to a first position (e.g., about 20% around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910), and then waiting for a certain wait period (e.g., about one second), controlling the position of the rotary knob 910 to a second position (e.g., about 40% around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910), and then waiting for the wait period, controlling the position of the rotary knob 910 to a third position (e.g., about 60% around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910), and then waiting for the wait period, and controlling the position of the rotary knob 910 to a fourth position (e.g., about 80% around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910).
[0162] When adjusting the position of the rotary knob 910, the control circuit of the control device 900 can be configured to stop driving the motor 980 of the actuator adjustment system 970 to adjust the position of the rotary knob 910 in response to determining that the user is presently actuating the rotary knob 910 to rotate the rotary knob 910. For example, when the shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952 is not at an expected position, and / or when a motor drive voltage used to drive the motor 980 indicates an unexpected condition, the control circuit can determine that the user is actuating the rotary knob 910 while the control circuit is driving the motor 980.
[0163] Additionally, the control circuitry of the control device 900 can be configured to provide feedback to the user when the user is manually adjusting the position of the rotary knob 910. For example, the control circuitry can be configured to control the actuator adjustment system 970 to provide a locking position (e.g., a point of higher resistance) during rotation of the rotary knob 910 around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910. When the user is rotating the rotary knob 910, the control circuitry can be configured to provide a locking position by controlling the motor 980 for a predetermined (e.g., short) time period to cause the drive shaft 982 to rotate in a certain direction, which causes the shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952 to move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the user is moving the rotary knob 910. The locking position provided by the actuator adjustment system 970 may not impede the user's rotation of the rotary knob 910, but may provide a slight bump during the rotation of the rotary knob 910 to signal the locking position to the user. For example, the control circuit may be configured to control the motor 980 to provide a latching position (e.g., to indicate an intensity level, such as 25%, 50%, and / or 75%) at one or more locations around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910. Additionally, the control circuit may be configured to control the actuator adjustment system 970 to generate vibrations of the rotary knob 910 at one or more locations around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910. When the user is rotating the rotary knob 910, the control circuit may be configured to generate vibrations of the rotary knob 910 by increasing the frequency of the motor drive voltage of the drive motor 980. For example, the control circuit may be configured to control the motor 980 to generate vibrations at one or more locations around the circle defined by the rotary knob 910 to indicate a preset intensity level (e.g., a preferred or stored current intensity level).
[0164] FIG. 1 This is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 1000 (e.g., a dimmer switch), which can be deployed as follows: FIG. 1 Any of the control devices shown. Control device 1000 may include a thermal terminal H adapted to be coupled to the hot side of AC power supply 1002 and a neutral terminal N adapted to be coupled to the neutral side of AC power supply 1002. Thermal terminal H and neutral terminal N may be configured to receive AC mains voltage V from AC power supply 1002. AC The control device 1000 may also include a dimmed thermal terminal DH, which may be adapted to be coupled to an electrical load, such as a lighting load 1004, and may also be coupled to the neutral side of an AC power supply 1002.
[0165] The control device 1000 can include a controllable conductive device 1010 coupled in series electrical connection between the hot terminal H and the dimmed hot terminal DH, such that the controllable conductive device 1010 is adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the AC power source 1002 and the lighting load 1004. The controllable conductive device 1010 can control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. The controllable conductive device 1010 can include a suitable type of bidirectional semiconductor switch, such as, for example, a bidirectional thyristor, a field effect transistor (FET) in a rectifier bridge, two FETs in anti- series connection, or one or more insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). The control device 1000 can also include an air gap switch 1029 that can be coupled in series with the controllable conductive device 1010. The air gap switch 1029 can open and close in response to actuation of an air gap actuator (e.g., the air gap switch 219). When the air gap switch 1029 is closed, the controllable conductive device 1010 can be operable to conduct load current through the lighting load 1004. When the air gap switch 1029 is open, the lighting load 1004 can be disconnected from the AC power source 1002.
[0166] The control device 1000 can include a control circuit 1014. The control circuit 1014 can include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable controller or processing device. The control circuit 1014 can be operatively coupled to a control input of the controllable conductive device 1010, e.g., via the gate drive circuit 1012. The control circuit 1014 can be configured to render the controllable conductive device 1010 conductive or non-conductive, e.g., to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load 1004. The control device 1000 can include a zero-crossing detector 1016 that can be coupled between the hot terminal H and the neutral terminal N. The control circuit 1014 can receive a control signal from the zero-crossing detector 1016 that is representative of zero-crossings of the AC mains voltage V AC of the AC power source 1002. In some examples, the control device 1000 can not include the neutral terminal N, and the zero-crossing detector 1016 can be coupled in parallel with the controllable conductive device 1010. The control circuit 1014 can be configured to use a phase control dimming technique to render the controllable conductive device 1010 conductive and / or non-conductive at predetermined times relative to zero-crossings of the AC mains voltage V AC . The control circuit 1014 can be configured to control the magnitude of the load current conducted through the lighting load 1004 so as to control a present intensity level L LE of the lighting load 1004 across a dimming range between a low-end intensity level L HE and a high-end intensity level L PRESFor example, the control circuit 1014 can be configured to control the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load 504 to a number N LE of intensity levels (e.g., 255) between a low end intensity level L HE and a high end intensity level L INT .
[0167] The control device 1000 can include a memory 1018. The memory 1018 can be communicatively coupled to the control circuit 1014 for storing and / or retrieving, for example, operational settings such as lighting presets and associated preset light intensities. The memory 1018 can be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit 1014. The memory 1018 can include computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions that include one or more portions of the processes described herein. The control circuit 1014 can access the instructions from the memory 1018 for execution to cause the control circuit 1014 to operate as described herein or to operate one or more other devices as described herein. The memory 1018 can include computer-executable instructions for executing configuration software. The computer-executable instructions can be executed to perform the processes 1100, 1200, and / or 1300 as described herein. Further, one or more settings and / or control parameters associated with the control device 1000 can be stored on the memory 1018.
[0168] The control device 1000 can include a power supply 1020 that can be coupled between the hot terminal H and the neutral terminal N. The power supply 1020 can generate a direct current (DC) supply voltage V CC for powering the control circuit 1014 and other low voltage circuitry of the control device 1000. In some examples, the control device 1000 can not include the neutral terminal N, and the power supply 1020 can be coupled in parallel with the controllably conductive device 1010 such that the power supply 1020 can cause a charging current to be conducted through the lighting load 1004 to generate the DC supply voltage V CC .
[0169] The control device 1000 can include user interface circuitry 1030. The control circuit 1014 can be responsive to local control of the lighting load, such as with user input received from an actuator of the control device 1000. The actuator of the control device 1000 can include an actuating member (e.g., the actuating members 210, 310, 510, 710, 810) and / or a rotary knob (e.g., the rotary knob 910) that can be actuated to turn the lighting load 1004 on and off. The user interface circuitry 1030 can include one or more switches (e.g., the tactile switches 354, 355 and / or the switches 550, 850) that can be actuated in response to actuation of the actuator. The control circuit 1014 can be configured to control the controllably conductive device 1010 to turn the lighting load 1004 on and off in response to actuation of the switches of the user interface circuitry 1030. Additionally, the actuator of the control device 100 can include an analog intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., the slider actuator 220, 320, 720) and / or a rotary knob (e.g., the rotary knob 910). The user interface circuitry 1030 can include a potentiometer (e.g., the potentiometer 356, 952). The control circuit 1014 can be configured to control the controllably conductive device 1010 to adjust the present intensity level L of the lighting load 1004 in response to actuation of the potentiometer of the user interface circuitry 1030. PRES For example, the control circuit 1014 can determine a commanded intensity level L CMD .
[0170] The control device 1000 can include communication circuitry 1022 configured to transmit (e.g., send and receive) messages (e.g., digital messages). For example, the control circuit 1014 can be configured to receive messages via the communication circuitry 102 to provide remote control of the lighting load 1004. The communication circuitry 1022 can include wired communication circuitry and / or wireless communication circuitry, such as, for example, an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna to send and / or receive radio frequency (RF) signals. For example, the communication circuitry 1022 can also include an RF transmitter to transmit RF signals, an RF receiver to receive RF signals, or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver to transmit and / or receive IR signals. The communication circuitry 1022 can be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as internal circuitry of the control circuit 1014. The communication circuitry 1022 can be configured to send messages including control data (e.g., commands) generated by the control circuit 1014 to the lighting load 1004.
[0171] The communication circuitry 1032 can be configured to receive messages from one or more remote control devices (e.g., FIG. 1 the retrofit remote control device 112 shown in FIGS. 1-2,FIG. 1 wall-mounted remote control device 114 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, FIG. 38A table-top remote control device 116 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, FIG. 1 to FIG. 14 hand-held remote control device 118 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a computer, etc.) and provide the message (e.g., data from the message) to control circuit 1014. For example, control device 1000 can be configured to associate with one or more of the remote control devices during an association process. The message can include a command for controlling lighting load 1004 (e.g., a command for turning on or off the lighting load, and / or a command for adjusting an intensity level of lighting load 1004). The message can include an indication of a commanded intensity level L CMD of lighting load 1004. In response to the message, control circuit 1014 can be configured to control controllably conductive device 1010 to turn on or off lighting load 1004 and / or adjust a present intensity level L PRES of lighting load 1004.
[0172] Control device 1000 can also include actuator adjustment circuit 1040, which can be configured to adjust a position of one or more of the actuators of control device 1000. For example, actuator adjustment circuit 1040 can be configured to provide the functionality of actuator adjustment system 400 of control device 300, actuator adjustment system 600 of control device 500, actuator adjustment system of control device 700, actuator adjustment system 890 of control device 800, and / or actuator adjustment system 970 of control device 900. For example, actuator adjustment circuit 1040 can include a motor (e.g., motor 410 and / or motor 980) that can be coupled to a potentiometer (e.g., potentiometer 356, 952) of user interface circuit 1030 for adjusting a position of an analog intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., slider actuator 220, 320, 720) and / or a rotary knob (e.g., rotary knob 910). Additionally, actuator adjustment circuit 1040 can include a motor (e.g., motor 610) configured to be rotated for adjusting an actuation member (e.g., actuation member 510) between an on position and an off position. Further, actuator adjustment circuit 1040 can include one or more solenoids (e.g., solenoids 892a, 892b) that can be energized for adjusting an actuation member (e.g., actuation member 810) between an on position and an off position. In response to receiving a message including a command for controlling lighting load 1004, control circuit 1014 can be configured to control controllably conductive device 1010 to turn on or off lighting load 1004 and / or adjust a present intensity level L PRESFurthermore, it controls the actuator adjustment circuit 1040 so that the actuator of the control device 1000 matches the state of the lighting load 1004.
[0173] FIG. 37 This is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 1000a (e.g., a dimmer switch), which can be deployed as follows: FIG. 38B The control device 300 shown. The control device 1000a may have a similar function to... FIG. 15 to FIG. 25E The control device 1000 shown is similar to the functional blocks in the diagram. However, the control device 1000a may include a user interface circuit 1030a with switches 1031a, 1032a and a potentiometer 1038a. For example, switches 1031a and 1032a may represent tactile switches 354 and 355 of the control device 300, and potentiometer 1038a may represent potentiometer 356 of the control device 300. The control circuit 1014a of the control device 1000a may respond to actuation of switches 1031a, 1032a and potentiometer 1038a. Switch 1031a may be coupled in series with resistor R1034a at the supply voltage V. CC Between the common terminal of the circuit, a first switching signal V is generated at the junction of resistor 1034a and switch 1031a. SW1 Switch 1032a can be coupled in series with resistor R1036a at the supply voltage V. CC Between the common terminal of the circuit, a second switching signal V is generated at the junction of resistor 1036a and switch 1032a. SW2 For example, switch 1031a can be actuated in response to actuation of the upper portion 316 of actuating member 310, and switch 1032a can be actuated in response to actuation of the lower portion 318 of actuating member 310. Control circuit 1014a can receive a first switching signal V. SW1 Second switch signal V SW2 The control circuit 1014a can be configured to turn on the lighting load 1004 in response to the actuation of the switch 1031a, and to turn off the lighting load 1004 in response to the actuation of the switch 1032a.
[0174] Potentiometer 1038a may include coupling to the supply voltage V CC A resistive element between the common terminal of the circuit and the potentiometer, and configured to generate a potentiometer signal V at the slider of the potentiometer 1038a. POT The position of potentiometer 1038a (e.g., the position of the slider along the resistive element) can be adjusted by moving the axis of potentiometer 1038a (e.g., axis 358). The axis of potentiometer 1038a can be coupled to the slider knob of a slider actuator (e.g., slider knob 322 of slider actuator 320). For example, the potentiometer signal V POTmay have a direct current (DC) amplitude that can be adjusted in response to movement of the shaft of the potentiometer 1038a such that the potentiometer signal V POT has an amplitude that is indicative of the position of the potentiometer 1038a. The control circuit 1014a can receive the potentiometer signal V POT and can be configured to control the present intensity level L POT of the lighting load 1004 in response to the DC amplitude of the potentiometer signal V PRES . For example, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to determine a commanded intensity level L POT for the lighting load 1004 in response to the DC amplitude of the potentiometer signal V CMD .
[0175] The control device 1000a can also include an actuator adjustment circuit 1040a for adjusting the present position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot (e.g., the slider knob 322 along the slider slot 324). For example, the actuator adjustment circuit 1040a can be configured to provide the functionality of the actuator adjustment system 400 of the control device 300. The actuator adjustment circuit 1040a can include a motor 1042a (e.g., the motor 410 of the actuator adjustment system 400) and a motor drive circuit 1044a. The control circuit 1014a can be configured to generate one or more drive signals V DR-A for controlling the motor drive circuit 1044a to energize the motor 1042a to rotate a drive shaft (e.g., the drive shaft 412) of the motor 1042a. For example, the motor drive circuit 1044a can include an H-bridge drive circuit, and the drive signals V DR-A generated by the control circuit 1014a can include pulse width modulated signals. The control circuit 1014a can be configured to adjust the duty cycle of each of the drive signals V DR-A to adjust the rotational speed of the motor 1042a and to adjust the phase between the drive signals V DR-A to control the rotational direction of the motor 1042a.
[0176] The drive shaft of the motor 1042a can be coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer 1038a via a gear assembly (e.g., the gear assembly 420 of the actuator adjustment system 400). The control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the motor 1042a to adjust the position of the potentiometer 1038a. The control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the motor 1042a to rotate the drive shaft in a first rotational direction to cause the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V POT to increase and in a second rotational direction to cause the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V POTthe amplitude of the potentiometer signal V POT . For example, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the motor 1042a (e.g., the motor 410) to adjust the current position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot based on the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V POT .
[0177] In response to receiving a message including a command to control the lighting load 1004, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the controllably conductive device 1010 to control the lighting load 1004 and control the actuator adjustment circuit 1040a to adjust the current position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot such that the current position P PRES of the slider knob matches the current intensity level L PRES of the lighting load. CMD The control circuit 1014a can be configured to determine the destination position P DEST from the command included in the received message (e.g., from the commanded intensity level L CMD ). For example, the destination position P DEST along the slider slot can be equal to the commanded intensity level L CMD . The control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the current position P INIT of the slider knob as the slider knob moves from the initial position P DEST to the destination position P PRES according to a movement profile. For example, the control circuit 1014a can increase the rotational speed of the motor 1042a during a ramp-up period at the beginning of the movement, decrease the rotational speed of the motor 1042a during a ramp-down period at the end of the movement, and maintain the rotational speed of the motor 1042a substantially constant between the ramp-up period and the ramp-down period. When the difference between the destination position P DEST and the current position P PRES of the slider knob is less than an adjustment threshold P TH , the control circuit 1014a can be configured to maintain the current position P PRES of the slider knob instead of making a small adjustment to the current position P PRES to reach the destination position P DEST .
[0178] When controlling the motor 1042a, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to use the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V POT as the current position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot.Feedback. The control circuit 1014a can be configured to provide feedback based on the destination location P. DEST and potentiometer signal V POT The amplitude is controlled using closed-loop control to control motor 1042a (e.g., adjusting the drive signal V). DR-A For example, control circuit 1014a can respond to destination position P. DEST and potentiometer signal V POT The amplitude is adjusted using a digital proportional-integral (PI) controller to control the drive signal V. DR-A Duty cycle.
[0179] Control circuit 1014a can be configured to respond independently of the current position P of the slider knob along the slider slot in response to receiving a message including a command for controlling lighting load 1004. PRES To control the current intensity level L of lighting load 1004 PRES For example, control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the slider knob at its current position P along the slider slot. PRES Previously, the lighting load 1004 was controlled (e.g., quickly). The control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot. PRES Faster rate to control the current intensity level L of lighting load 1004. PRES For example, control circuit 1014a can reduce the lighting load 1004 from the current intensity level L at a first rate. PRES Adjust to the commanded intensity level L CMD Furthermore, the position of the slider knob can be adjusted at a second rate.
[0180] Additionally, control circuit 1014a can be configured to wait for a timeout period after receiving the last remote control command before starting to adjust the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot. PRES For example, control circuit 1014a may be configured to control (e.g., immediately control) controllable conductive device 1010 to control lighting load 1004 upon receiving a command for controlling lighting load 1004, but wait for a timeout period (e.g., no further command for controlling lighting load 1004 is received) before controlling actuator adjustment circuit 1040a to adjust slider knob along the current position P of slider slot. PRES When a user may remotely adjust the current intensity level L of lighting load 1004 multiple times within a short period of time. PRES The timeout period can prevent unwanted power to the motor.
[0181] Additionally, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to adjust the current position P of the slider knob. PRESto indicate status information (e.g., in addition to indicating the current intensity level L PRES of the lighting load 1004) of the control device 1000a and / or the lighting load 1004. For example, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the current position P PRES of the slider knob by controlled movement (e.g., animated movement) to indicate the operating mode of the control device 1000a. The control circuit 1014a can be configured to control (e.g., cycle) the position of the slider knob up and down periodically across the length of the slider slot, for example, to indicate when the control device 1000a is in an association mode (e.g., during an association process) for associating the control device 1000a with one or more remote control devices. In addition, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the position of the slider knob to a plurality of discrete positions (e.g., four positions) in a step-wise (e.g., non-continuous) manner to indicate that the control device 1000a is changing to a different control mode, such as a fan speed control mode. For example, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to control the position of the slider knob to the plurality of discrete positions in a step-wise manner by controlling the position of the slider knob to a first position (e.g., approximately 20% along the length of the slider slot), and then waiting for a certain wait period (e.g., approximately one second), controlling the position of the slider knob to a second position (e.g., approximately 40% along the length of the slider slot), and then waiting for the wait period, controlling the position of the slider knob to a third position (e.g., approximately 60% along the length of the slider slot), and then waiting for the wait period, and controlling the position of the slider knob to a fourth position (e.g., approximately 80% along the length of the slider slot).
[0182] When adjusting the current position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to stop driving the motor 1042a of the actuator adjustment circuit 1040a to stop adjusting the current position P PRES of the slider knob in response to determining that the user is currently actuating the slider knob to move the slider knob along the slider slot. For example, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to determine that the user is actuating the slider knob if the current position P PRES of the slider knob (e.g., as indicated by the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT is not close to the expected position P EXP . The control circuit 1014a can be configured to track the expected position P EXP of the slider knob based also on a movement profile for moving the slider knob along the slider slot. The control circuit 1014a can be configured to determine that the user is actuating the slider knob if the current position P PRES of the slider knob is far from the predicted position P EXPIf the value exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the user is actively actuating the slider knob, and simultaneously the control circuit 1014a actively drives the motor 1042a. Additionally, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to, if the drive signal V used to drive the motor 1042a... DR-A Any drive signal with a high duty cycle (e.g., greater than a high duty cycle threshold) and the current position P of the slider knob after the user actuation detection period since the start of movement. PRES Destination location P not reached DEST (For example, not equal to destination location P) DEST If the user is actuating the slider knob, the control circuit 1014a will simultaneously drive the motor 1042a.
[0183] Additionally, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to operate when the user is manually adjusting the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot. PRES Adjust the current position P of the slider knob. PRES To provide feedback to the user. For example, control circuit 1014a can be configured to adjust the current position P of the slider knob. PRES To provide a locking position (e.g., a point of higher resistance) during the movement of the slider knob along the slider slot. When the user is sliding the slider knob along the slider slot, control circuitry 1014a can be configured to provide one locking position by controlling motor 1042a for a predetermined (e.g., short) time period to cause the drive shaft of motor 1042a to rotate in the direction opposite to the movement of the slider knob. The locking position provided by motor 1042a, controlling actuator adjustment circuitry 1040a, may not impede the user's movement of the slider knob, but may provide a slight impact during the movement of the slider knob to signal the locking position to the user. For example, control circuitry 1014a can be configured to control motor 1042a to provide locking at one or more locations along the length of the slider slot (e.g., to indicate an intensity level, such as 25%, 50%, and / or 75%). Additionally, control circuitry 1042a can be configured to control motor 1042a to generate vibration of the slider knob at one or more locations along the slider slot. When the user is sliding the slider knob along the slider slot, the control circuit 1014a can be configured to increase the drive signal V for driving the motor 1042a. DR-A The frequency of one or more drive signals in the circuit is used to generate vibrations in the slider knob. For example, control circuit 1014a may be configured to control motor 1042a to generate vibrations at one or more locations along the length of the slider slot to indicate a preset intensity level (e.g., a preferred or stored current intensity level).
[0184] FIG. 37 This is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 1000b (e.g., an electronic switch), which can be deployed, for example, to control... FIG. 38BThe control device 500 shown. The control device 1000b may have a connection with... FIG. 38C The control device 1000 shown is similar to a functional block. However, the control device 1000b may include a user interface circuit 1030b with a switch 1032b, which may represent the switch 550 of the control device 500. For example, the switch 1032b may include, for example, FIG. 26 The single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch shown is illustrated. Switch 1032b may include a common terminal coupled to a common terminal of the circuit. Switch 1032b may include a supply voltage V coupled via a first resistor R1034b. CC The first switching terminal A is used to generate a first switching signal V at the first switching terminal A. SW1 Switch 1032b may also include a connection via a second resistor R1036b to the supply voltage V. CC The second switching terminal B is used to generate a second switching signal V at the second switching terminal B. SW2 For example, the electrical contacts of switch 1032b can be switched to the first switching terminal A in response to actuation of the upper portion 516 of actuating member 510, and the electrical contacts of switch 1032b can be switched to the second switching terminal B in response to actuation of the lower portion 518 of actuating member 510. The control circuit 1014b of control device 1000b can respond to actuation of switch 1032b and can receive the first switching signal V. SW1 Second switch signal V SW2 The control circuit 1014b can be configured to turn on the lighting load 1004 when the electrical contact of the switch 1032b is connected to the first switching terminal A, and to turn off the lighting load 1004 when the electrical contact of the switch 1032b is connected to the second switching terminal B.
[0185] The control device 1000b may further include an actuator adjustment circuit 1040b for adjusting an actuating member (e.g., actuating member 510 of the control device 500) between an on and off position. For example, the actuator adjustment circuit 1040b may be configured to provide functionality of the actuator adjustment system 600 of the control device 500. The actuating member may be held in the on and off positions by an over-center spring mechanism (e.g., over-center spring mechanism 570). The actuator adjustment circuit 1040b may include a motor 1042b (e.g., motor 610 of the actuator adjustment system 600) and a motor drive circuit 1044b. The control circuit 1014b may be configured to generate one or more drive signals V for controlling the motor drive circuit 1044b to energize the motor 1042b to adjust the pivot axis of the over-center spring mechanism of the control device 1000b. DR-BFor example, the motor drive circuit 1044b can include an H-bridge drive circuit, and the drive signals V DR-B may include pulse width modulated signals. The control circuit 1014b can be configured to adjust a duty cycle of each of the drive signals V DR-B to adjust a rotational speed of the motor 1042b and to adjust a phase between the drive signals V DR-B to control a rotational direction of the motor 1042b. The control circuit 1014b can be configured to rotate the pivot axis of the over-center spring mechanism one full rotation (e.g., approximately 360 degrees) in a first rotational direction to change the actuation member from the off position to the on position and one full rotation (e.g., approximately 360 degrees) in a second rotational direction to change the actuation member from the on position to the off position.
[0186] In response to receiving a message including a command to control the lighting load 1004, the control circuit 1014b can be configured to control the controllably conductive device 1010 to control the lighting load 1004 and to control the actuator adjustment circuit 1040b to adjust the position of the actuation member between the on position and the off position such that the position of the actuation member matches the state of the lighting load 1004. The control circuit 1014b can be configured to turn the lighting load 1004 on and off independent of adjusting the position of the actuation member in response to receiving a message including a command to control the lighting load 1004. For example, the control circuit 1014b can be configured to control (e.g., quickly control) the lighting load 1004 prior to controlling the position of the actuation member. The control circuit 1014b can be configured to wait for a timeout period after receiving a last remote control command before beginning to adjust the position of the actuation member. For example, the control circuit 1014b can be configured to control (e.g., immediately control) the controllably conductive device 1010 to control the lighting load 1004 in response to receiving a command to control the lighting load 1004, but wait for a timeout period (e.g., without receiving another command to control the lighting load 1004) before controlling the actuator adjustment circuit 1040b to adjust the position of the actuation member. The timeout period can prevent unwanted energization of the motor 1042b when a user can be remotely turning the lighting load 1004 on and off multiple times in a short period of time.
[0187] FIG. 37 is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 1000c (e.g., a dimmer switch) that can be deployed as, for example, the control device 700 shown in FIG. 38C . The control device 1000c can have features in common with The control device 1000 shown is similar to the functional blocks in the diagram. However, the control device 1000c may include a user interface circuit 1030c having a switch 1032c and a potentiometer 1038c. For example, the switch 1032c may represent a switch similar to the switch 550 of the control device 500, and the potentiometer 1038c may represent a potentiometer similar to the potentiometer 356 of the control device 300. The control circuit 1014c of the control device 1000c may respond to the actuation of the switch 1032c and the potentiometer 1038c.
[0188] like As shown, switch 1032c may include a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. Switch 1032c may include a common terminal coupled to a common terminal of the circuit. Switch 1032c may include a supply voltage V coupled via a first resistor R1034c. CC The first switching terminal A is used to generate a first switching signal V at the first switching terminal A. SW1 Switch 1032c may also include a second resistor R1036c coupled to the supply voltage V. CC The second switching terminal B is used to generate a second switching signal V at the second switching terminal B. SW2 For example, the electrical contacts of switch 1032c can be switched to the first switching terminal A in response to actuation of the upper portion 716 of actuating member 710, and the electrical contacts of switch 1032c can be switched to the second switching terminal B in response to actuation of the lower portion 718 of actuating member 710. The control circuit 1014c of control device 1000c can receive the first switching signal V. SW1 Second switch signal V SW2 The control circuit 1014c can be configured to turn on the lighting load 1004 when the electrical contact of the switch 1032c is connected to the first switching terminal A, and to turn off the lighting load 1004 when the electrical contact of the switch 1032c is connected to the second switching terminal B.
[0189] Potentiometer 1038c may include coupling to the supply voltage V CC A resistive element between the common terminal of the circuit and the potentiometer, and configured to generate a potentiometer signal V at the slider of the potentiometer 1038c. POT The position of potentiometer 1038c (e.g., the position of the slider along the resistive element) can be adjusted by moving an axis of potentiometer 1038c (e.g., such as axis 358). The axis of potentiometer 1038c can be coupled to a slider knob of a slider actuator (e.g., slider knob 722 of slider actuator 720). For example, the potentiometer signal V... POT It can have a DC amplitude, which can be adjusted in response to the movement of the axis of potentiometer 1038c, so that the potentiometer signal V POTthe magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT . The control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the present intensity level L POT of the lighting load 1004 in response to the DC magnitude of the potentiometer signal V PRES . For example, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to determine the commanded intensity level L POT for the lighting load 1004 in response to the DC magnitude of the potentiometer signal V CMD .
[0190] The control device 1000c can include a first actuator adjustment circuit 1040c for adjusting an actuation member (e.g., the actuation member 710 of the control device 700) between an on position and an off position. The first actuator adjustment circuit 1040c can be configured to provide the functionality of, for example, the actuator adjustment system 600. The actuation member can be held in the on position and the off position by an over-center spring mechanism (e.g., such as the over-center spring mechanism 570). For example, the first actuator adjustment circuit 1040c can be the same as the actuator adjustment circuit 1040b of the control device 1000b. The first actuator adjustment circuit 1040c can include a motor (e.g., the motor 1042b shown in FIG. 38B ) and a motor drive circuit (e.g., the motor drive circuit 1044b shown in FIG. 38B ). The control circuit 1014c can be configured to generate one or more drive signals V DR-C1 for controlling the motor drive circuit to energize the motor to adjust a pivot axis of the over-center spring mechanism of the control device 1000c. For example, the motor drive circuit of the first actuator adjustment circuit 1040c can include an H-bridge drive circuit, and the drive signals V DR-C1 generated by the control circuit 1014c can include pulse width modulated signals. The control circuit 1014c can be configured to adjust a duty cycle of each of the drive signals V DR-C1 to adjust a rotational speed of the motor and to adjust a phase between the drive signals V DR-C1 -DR to control a rotational direction of the motor. The control circuit 1014c can be configured to rotate the pivot axis of the over-center spring mechanism one full rotation (e.g., approximately 360 degrees) in a first rotational direction to change the actuation member from the off position to the on position, and to rotate the pivot axis of the over-center spring mechanism one full rotation (e.g., approximately 360 degrees) in a second rotational direction to change the actuation member from the on position to the off position.
[0191] The control device 1000c can also include a second actuator adjustment circuit 1042c for adjusting a present position P PRESThe second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c. The second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c can be configured to provide, for example, the functionality of the actuator adjustment system 400. For example, the second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c can be the same as the actuator adjustment circuit 1040a of the control device 1000a. The second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c may include a motor (e.g., FIG. 38A The motor 1042a shown) and the motor drive circuit (e.g., FIG. 38A The motor drive circuit 1044a shown is illustrated. The control circuit 1014c can be configured to generate one or more drive signals V for controlling the motor drive circuit to energize the motor and rotate its drive shaft. DR-C2 For example, the motor drive circuit of the second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c may include an H-bridge drive circuit, and the drive signal V generated by the control circuit 1014c... DR-C2 This may include a pulse-width modulated signal. The control circuit 1014c can be configured to adjust the drive signal V. DR-C2 The duty cycle of each drive signal is adjusted to regulate the motor's rotational speed and to adjust the drive signal V. DR-C2 The phase between them controls the direction of motor rotation.
[0192] The drive shaft of the motor can be coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer 1038c via a gear assembly (e.g., gear assembly 420 such as in actuator adjustment system 400). Control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the motor of the second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c to adjust the position of the potentiometer 1038c. Control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the motor to rotate the drive shaft in a first rotational direction such that the potentiometer signal V... POT The amplitude increases and the drive shaft rotates in the second rotation direction, causing the potentiometer signal V to... POT The amplitude is reduced. For example, control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the motor to adjust the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot. PRES The control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the motor to rotate the drive shaft of the motor in a first rotational direction to raise the slider knob 722 in the slider slot 724, and to rotate the drive shaft of the motor in a second rotational direction to lower the slider knob 722 in the slider slot 724.
[0193] In response to receiving a message including a command for controlling the lighting load 1004, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the controllable conductive device 1010 to control the lighting load 1004, control the first actuator adjustment circuit 1040c to adjust the position of the actuating member between an on and off position, and / or control the second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c to adjust the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot. PRES This causes the position of the actuating component and the current position P of the slider knob to be such that...PRES matching the current state of the lighting load.
[0194] The control circuit 1014c can be configured to determine the destination position P CMD from a command included in the received message (e.g., from the commanded intensity level L DEST ). For example, the destination position P DEST along the slider slot can be equal to the commanded intensity level L CMD . The control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the current position P INIT of the slider knob as the slider knob moves from the initial position P DEST to the destination position P PRES according to a movement profile. For example, the control circuit 1014c can ramp up the drive of the motor for a certain period of time at the beginning of the movement, drive the motor at a substantially constant rotational speed, and ramp down the drive of the motor at the end of the movement. When the difference between the destination position P DEST and the current position P PRES of the slider knob is less than an adjustment threshold P TH , the control circuit 1014c can be configured to maintain the current position P PRES of the slider knob instead of making a small adjustment to the current position P PRES to reach the destination position P DEST .
[0195] When controlling the motor, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to use the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT as feedback of the current position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot. The control circuit 1014c can be configured to use closed-loop control to control the motor (e.g., adjust the drive signal V DR-C2 ) based on the destination position P DEST and the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT . For example, the control circuit 1014c can use a digital proportional-integral (PI) controller to adjust the duty cycle of the drive signal V DR-C2 in response to the destination position P DEST and the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT .
[0196] In response to receiving a message including a command for controlling the lighting load 1004, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the lighting load 1004 independently of adjusting the position of the actuation member and / or the current position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot. For example, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the lighting load 1004 while the position of the actuation member and / or the current position P PRESPreviously, the lighting load 1004 was controlled (e.g., quickly). The control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot. PRES Faster rate to control the current intensity level L of lighting load 1004. PRES .
[0197] Additionally, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to wait for a timeout period after receiving the last remote control command before starting to adjust the position of the actuating member and / or the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot. PRES For example, control circuit 1014c may be configured to control (e.g., immediately control) controllable conductive device 1010 to control lighting load 1004 upon receiving a command for controlling lighting load 1004, but wait for a timeout period (e.g., no further command for controlling lighting load 1004 is received) before controlling first actuation adjustment circuit 1040c to adjust the position of actuating member and / or controlling second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c to adjust slider knob along the current position P of slider slot. PRES When a user may remotely control the lighting load 1004 multiple times within a short period of time, the timeout period can prevent unwanted power supply to the motors of the first actuation adjustment circuit 1040c and the second actuation adjustment circuit 1041c.
[0198] Additionally, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to adjust the current position P of the slider knob. PRES To indicate the status information of the control device 1000c and / or the lighting load 1004 (e.g., in addition to indicating the current intensity level L). PRES (Except for...). For example, control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the current position P of slider knob via controlled movement (e.g., animated movement). PRESThe control circuit 1014c is configured to periodically control (e.g., cyclically) the position of a slider knob across the length of a slider slot, for example, to indicate when the control device 1000c is in an association mode for associating the control device 1000c with one or more remote control devices (e.g., during an association process). Additionally, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the position of the slider knob to multiple discrete positions (e.g., four positions) in a stepwise (e.g., discontinuous) manner to indicate that the control device 1000c is changing to a different control mode, such as a fan speed control mode. For example, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the position of the slider knob to a plurality of discrete positions in a stepwise manner by: controlling the position of the slider knob to a first position (e.g., about 20% of the length of the slider slot) and then waiting for a certain waiting period (e.g., about one second); controlling the position of the slider knob to a second position (e.g., about 40% of the length of the slider slot) and then waiting for that waiting period; controlling the position of the slider knob to a third position (e.g., about 60% of the length of the slider slot) and then waiting for that waiting period; and controlling the position of the slider knob to a fourth position (e.g., about 80% of the length of the slider slot).
[0199] When adjusting the slider knob along the current position P of the slider slot PRES At that time, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to stop driving the motor of the second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c to stop adjusting the current position P of the slider knob in response to determining that the user is currently actuating the slider knob to move the slider knob along the slider slot. PRES For example, control circuit 1014c can be configured to if the current position P of the slider knob... PRES (For example, such as from potentiometer signal V) POT The amplitude indicated is not close to the expected position P. EXP If the user is actuating the slider knob, the control circuit 1014c will simultaneously drive the motor. The control circuit 1014c can also be configured to track the expected position P of the slider knob based on a movement curve used to move the slider knob along the slider slot. EXP The control circuit 1014c can be configured to if the current position P of the slider knob... PRES Far from the predicted location P EXP If the value exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the user is actively actuating the slider knob, and simultaneously, the control circuit 1014c actively drives the motor. Additionally, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to, if the drive signal V used to drive the motor... DR-C2 Any drive signal with a high duty cycle (e.g., greater than a high duty cycle threshold) and the current position P of the slider knob after the user actuation detection period since the start of movement.PRES Did not reach destination position P DEST (For example, not equal to destination position P DEST ), then it is determined that the user is actuating the slider knob while the control circuit 1014c is driving the motor.
[0200] Additionally, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to adjust the current position P PRES of the slider knob to provide feedback to the user while the user is manually adjusting the current position P PRES of the slider knob along the slider slot. For example, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to adjust the current position P PRES of the slider knob to provide detents (e.g., points of higher resistance) in the movement of the slider knob along the slider slot. When the user is sliding the slider knob along the slider slot, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to provide one of the detents by controlling the motor of the second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c to cause the drive shaft of the motor to rotate in an opposite direction of the movement of the slider knob for a predetermined (e.g., short) period of time. Controlling the motor of the second actuator adjustment circuit 1041c to provide the detents can not impede the movement of the slider knob by the user, but can provide a slight bump in the movement of the slider knob to signal the detents to the user. For example, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the motor to provide the detents at one or more positions along the length of the slider slot (e.g., to indicate intensity levels such as 25%, 50%, and / or 75%). Additionally, the control circuit 1042c can be configured to control the motor to generate vibrations of the slider knob at one or more positions along the slider slot. When the user is sliding the slider knob along the slider slot, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to generate the vibrations of the slider knob by increasing the frequency of one or more drive signals in the drive signal V DR-C2 to drive the motor. For example, the control circuit 1014c can be configured to control the motor to generate the vibrations at one or more positions along the length of the slider slot to indicate a preset intensity level (e.g., a favorite or a stored current intensity level).
[0201] FIG. 38D is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 1000d (e.g., an electronic switch) that can be deployed as, for example, the control device 800 shown in FIG. 8. The control device 1000d can have similar functional blocks as the control device 1000 shown in FIG. 10. However, the control device 1000d can include a user interface circuit 1030d that can be similar to the user interface circuit 1030 shown in FIG. 10. FIGS. 27-32E FIG. 37 FIG. 38B The user interface circuit 1030b of the control device 1000b shown is the same. The user interface circuit 1030d may include a switch 1032d, which may represent the switch 850 of the control device 800. For example, switch 1032d may include... FIG. 38D The single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch shown is illustrated. Switch 1032d may include a common terminal coupled to a common terminal of the circuit. Switch 1032d may include a supply voltage V coupled via a first resistor R1034d. CC The first switching terminal A is used to generate a first switching signal V at the first switching terminal A. SW1 Switch 1032d may also include a connection to the supply voltage V via a second resistor R1036d. CC The second switching terminal B is used to generate a second switching signal V at the second switching terminal B. SW2 For example, the electrical contacts of switch 1032d can be switched to the first switching terminal A in response to actuation of the upper portion 816 of actuating member 810, and the electrical contacts of switch 1032d can be switched to the second switching terminal B in response to actuation of the lower portion 818 of actuating member 810. The control circuit 1014d of control device 1000d can respond to actuation of switch 1032d and can receive the first switching signal V. SW1 Second switch signal V SW2 The control circuit 1014d can be configured to turn on the lighting load 1004 when the electrical contact of the switch 1032d is connected to the first switching terminal A, and to turn off the lighting load 1004 when the electrical contact of the switch 1032d is connected to the second switching terminal B.
[0202] The control device 1000d can also include an actuator adjustment circuit 1040d for adjusting an actuation member (e.g., the actuation member 810 of the control device 800) between the on position and the off position. The actuation member can be held in the on position and the off position by an over-center spring mechanism (e.g., the over-center spring mechanism 870). For example, the actuator adjustment circuit 1040d can be configured to provide the functionality of the actuator adjustment system 890 of the control device 800. The actuator adjustment circuit 1040d can include a first solenoid coil 1050d of a first solenoid (e.g., the first solenoid 892a) and a second solenoid coil 1060d of a second solenoid (e.g., the second solenoid 892b). The actuator adjustment circuit 1040d can include a first solenoid drive circuit 1052d for allowing the control circuit 1014d to energize the first solenoid coil 1050d to cause the first solenoid fly lead (e.g., the lead 895a) to extend. The actuator adjustment circuit 1040d can also include a second solenoid drive circuit 1062d for allowing the control circuit 1014d to energize the first solenoid coil 1060d to cause the lead (e.g., the lead 895b) of the second solenoid to extend. Each of the first solenoid drive circuit 1052d and the second solenoid drive circuit 1062d can include a respective switching circuit having a FET 1054d, 1064d coupled in series with the first solenoid coil 1050d and the second solenoid coil 1060d, respectively.
[0203] The control circuit 1014d can be configured to generate a first solenoid drive signal V DR-D1 and a second solenoid drive signal V DR-D2The first and second solenoid drive signals are coupled to the gates of FETs 1054d, 1064d, respectively, for rendering FETs 1054d, 1064d conductive and non-conductive. Control circuit 1014d can be configured to render FET 1054d of first solenoid drive circuit 1052d conductive to energize first solenoid coil 1040d, and to render FET 1064d of second solenoid drive circuit 1062d conductive to energize second solenoid coil 1050d. Actuator adjustment circuit 1040d can further include a diode D1056d coupled in parallel with first solenoid coil 1050d for conducting current through first solenoid coil 1050d when FET 1054d of first solenoid drive circuit 1052d is non-conductive, and a diode D1066d coupled in parallel with second solenoid coil 1060d for conducting current through second solenoid coil 1060d when FET 1064d of second solenoid drive circuit 1062d is non-conductive. In addition, control circuit 1014d can be configured to control first solenoid coil 1050d and second solenoid coil 1060d to control the amount of force provided by the respective solenoid's prong. For example, control circuit 1014d can be configured to energize only first solenoid coil 1050d to adjust the actuation member to the off position, and to energize only second solenoid coil 1060d to adjust the actuation member to the on position.
[0204] In some examples, as part of an adjustment sequence when adjusting the actuation member between the on and off positions, control circuit 1014d can be configured to energize both first solenoid coil 1050d and second solenoid coil 1060d. For example, as part of a first adjustment sequence (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6A), to adjust the actuation member between the off position to the on position, control circuit 1014d can be configured to first energize first solenoid coil 1050d to extend the first solenoid's prong, and then energize second solenoid coil 1060d to extend the second solenoid's prong (e.g., when the same amount of force). Control circuit 1014d can next control first solenoid drive circuit 1052d for controlling first solenoid coil 1050d to cause the first solenoid's prong to retract a small amount, thereby allowing the actuation member to pivot from the off position to the on position. Control circuit 1014d can then de-energize first solenoid coil 1050d and second solenoid coil 1060d to cause the prongs of both solenoids to retract (e.g., fully retract), such that the over-center spring mechanism can hold the actuation member in the on position. FIGS. 31A-31E Similarly, as part of a second adjustment sequence (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B), to adjust the actuation member between the on position to the off position, control circuit 1014d can be configured to first energize second solenoid coil 1060d to extend the second solenoid's prong, and then energize first solenoid coil 1050d to extend the first solenoid's prong (e.g., when the same amount of force). Control circuit 1014d can next control second solenoid drive circuit 1062d for controlling second solenoid coil 1060d to cause the second solenoid's prong to retract a small amount, thereby allowing the actuation member to pivot from the on position to the off position. Control circuit 1014d can then de-energize second solenoid coil 1060d and first solenoid coil 1050d to cause the prongs of both solenoids to retract (e.g., fully retract), such that the over-center spring mechanism can hold the actuation member in the off position.
[0205] Similarly, as part of a second adjustment sequence (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B), to adjust the actuation member between the on position to the off position, control circuit 1014d can be configured to first energize second solenoid coil 1060d to extend the second solenoid's prong, and then energize first solenoid coil 1050d to extend the first solenoid's prong (e.g., when the same amount of force). Control circuit 1014d can next control second solenoid drive circuit 1062d for controlling second solenoid coil 1060d to cause the second solenoid's prong to retract a small amount, thereby allowing the actuation member to pivot from the on position to the off position. Control circuit 1014d can then de-energize second solenoid coil 1060d and first solenoid coil 1050d to cause the prongs of both solenoids to retract (e.g., fully retract), such that the over-center spring mechanism can hold the actuation member in the off position. FIGS. 32A-32ETo adjust the actuation member between the on position to the off position, the control circuit 1014d can be configured to first energize the second solenoid coil 1060d to extend the leg of the second solenoid, and then energize the first solenoid coil 1050d to extend the leg of the first solenoid (e.g., when the same amount of force). The control circuit 1014d can next control the second solenoid drive circuit 1062d for controlling the second solenoid coil 1060d to cause the leg of the second solenoid to retract a small amount, allowing the actuation member to pivot from the on position to the off position. The control circuit 1014d can then de-energize the first solenoid coil 1050d and the second solenoid coil 1060d to cause the legs of both solenoids to retract (e.g., fully retract), such that the over-center spring mechanism can hold the actuation member in the off position.
[0206] In response to receiving a message including a command to control the lighting load 1004, the control circuit 1014d can be configured to control the controllably conductive device 1010 to control the lighting load 1004 and to control the actuator adjustment circuit 1040d to adjust the position of the actuation member between the on position and the off position such that the position of the actuation member matches the state of the lighting load 1004. The control circuit 1014d can be configured to turn the lighting load 1004 on and off independent of adjusting the position of the actuation member in response to receiving a message including a command to control the lighting load 1004. For example, the control circuit 1014d can be configured to control (e.g., quickly control) the lighting load 1004 before controlling the position of the actuation member. The control circuit 1014d can be configured to wait a timeout period after receiving a last remote control command before beginning to adjust the position of the actuation member. For example, the control circuit 1014b can be configured to control (e.g., immediately control) the controllably conductive device 1010 to control the lighting load 1004 in response to receiving a command to control the lighting load 1004, but wait a timeout period (e.g., without receiving another command to control the lighting load 1004) before controlling the actuator adjustment circuit 1040d to adjust the position of the actuation member. The timeout period can prevent unwanted energization of the first solenoid coil 1050d and the second solenoid coil 1060d when a user can be remotely turning the lighting load 1004 on and off multiple times within a short period of time.
[0207] FIG. 38E is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 1000e (e.g., a dimmer switch) that can be deployed as, for example, the control device 900 shown in FIG. 9. The control device 1000e can have features in common with the control device 900 shown in FIG. 9. FIGS. 33-36 FIG. 37 The control device 1000e can include a user interface circuit 1030e having a switch 1032e and a potentiometer 1038e. For example, the potentiometer 1038e can represent the potentiometer 952 of the control device 900. The control circuit 1014e of the control device can be responsive to actuation of the switch 1032e and the potentiometer 1038e. For example, the switch 1032e and the potentiometer 1038e can be included together in the same housing (e.g., the housing 956 of the potentiometer 952), and the switch 1032e can be actuated in response to a push of a rotary knob (e.g., the rotary knob 910) of the control device and thus a shaft (e.g., the shaft 954 of the potentiometer 952) of the potentiometer 1038e. The switch 1032e can be coupled in series with a resistor R1034e between a supply voltage V CC and a circuit common to generate a switch signal V SW at a junction of the resistor 1034e and the switch 1032e. The control circuit 1014e can receive the switch signal V SW and can be configured to turn on the lighting load 1004 in response to actuation of the switch 1032e and turn off the lighting load 1004 in response to actuation of the switch 1032e. For example, the switch 1032e can comprise a momentary tactile switch, and the control circuit 1014e can be configured to turn on and off the lighting load each time the switch 1032e is actuated. Additionally, the switch 1032e can comprise a latching switch (e.g., a SPST and / or SPDT switch), and the control circuit 1014e can be configured to turn on the lighting load when the switch 1032e is closed and turn off the lighting load when the switch 1032e is open (e.g., and the reverse is also true FIG. 39 ).
[0208] The potentiometer 1038e can comprise a resistive element coupled between a supply voltage V CC and a circuit common, and can be configured to generate a potentiometer signal V POT at a wiper of the potentiometer 1038e. A position of the potentiometer 1038e (e.g., a position of the wiper along the resistive element) can be adjusted by movement of a shaft (e.g., the shaft 952) of the potentiometer 1038e. The shaft of the potentiometer 1038e can be coupled to a rotary knob (e.g., the rotary knob 910) of the control device 10003. For example, the potentiometer signal V POT may have a direct current (DC) magnitude that can be adjusted in response to movement of the shaft of the potentiometer 1038e, such that the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT is indicative of the position of the potentiometer 1038e. The control circuit 1014e can receive the potentiometer signal V POT and can be configured to adjust the lighting load 1004 in response to the potentiometer signal VPOT the current intensity level L of the lighting load 1004 PRES For example, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to determine the commanded intensity level L POT for the lighting load 1004 in response to the DC amplitude of the potentiometer signal V CMD .
[0209] The control device 1000e can also include an actuator adjustment circuit 1040e for adjusting the current position P PRES (e.g., the current rotational position) of a rotary knob (e.g., the rotary knob 910). The actuator adjustment circuit 1040e can be configured to provide the functionality of, for example, the actuator adjustment system 970 of the control device 900. For example, the actuator adjustment circuit 1040e can be very similar to and / or identical to the actuator adjustment circuit 1040a of the control device 1000a. The actuator adjustment circuit 1040e can include a motor 1042e (e.g., the motor 980 of the actuator adjustment system 970) and a motor drive circuit 1044e. The control circuit 1014e can be configured to generate one or more drive signals V DR-E for controlling the motor drive circuit 1044e to energize the motor 1042e to rotate a drive shaft (e.g., the drive shaft 982) of the motor 1042e. For example, the motor drive circuit 1044e can include an H-bridge drive circuit, and the drive signals V DR-E generated by the control circuit 1014e can include pulse-width modulated signals. The control circuit 1014e can be configured to adjust the duty cycle of each of the drive signals V DR-E to adjust the rotational speed of the motor 1042e and to adjust the phase between the drive signals V DR-E to control the rotational direction of the motor 1042e.
[0210] The drive shaft of the motor 1042e can be coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer 1038e via a gear assembly (e.g., the gear assembly 990 of the actuator adjustment system 970). The control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the motor 1042e to adjust the position of the potentiometer 1038e. The control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the motor 1042e to rotate the drive shaft in a first rotational direction to cause the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V POT to increase and in a second rotational direction to cause the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V POT to decrease. For example, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the motor 1042e (e.g., the motor 980) to adjust the current position P PRESThe control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the motor 1042e (e.g., the motor 980) to rotate a drive shaft of the motor 1042e in a first rotational direction to also rotate the rotary knob 910 in the first rotational direction, and to rotate the drive shaft of the motor 1042e in a second rotational direction to also rotate the rotary knob 910 in the second rotational direction.
[0211] In response to receiving the message including the command to control the lighting load 1004, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the controllably conductive device 1010 to control the lighting load 1004 and to control the actuator adjustment circuit 1040e to adjust the present position P PRES of the rotary knob so that the present position P PRES of the rotary knob matches the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load. The control circuit 1014e can be configured to determine the destination position P CMD from the command included in the received message (e.g., from the commanded intensity level L DEST ). For example, the destination position P DEST around the circumference of the rotary knob 910 can be equal to the commanded intensity level L CMD . The control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the present position P INIT of the rotary knob as the rotary knob moves from the initial position P DEST-R to the destination rotational position P PRES according to a movement profile. For example, the control circuit 1014e can ramp up the drive of the motor 1042e for a period of time at the beginning of the movement, drive the motor 1042e at a substantially constant rotational speed, and ramp down the drive of the motor 1042e at the end of the movement. When the difference between the destination position P DEST and the present position P PRES of the rotary knob is less than an adjustment threshold P TH , the control circuit 1014e can be configured to maintain the present position P PRES of the rotary knob instead of making a small adjustment to the present position P PRES to reach the destination position P DEST .
[0212] When controlling the motor 1042e, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to use the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT as feedback of the present position of the rotary knob. The control circuit 1014e can be configured to use closed loop control to control the motor 1042e (e.g., adjust the drive signal V DEST ) based on the destination position P POT and the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V DR-EFor example, control circuit 1014e can respond to destination position P. DEST and potentiometer signal V POT The amplitude is adjusted using a digital proportional-integral (PI) controller to control the drive signal V. DR-E The duty cycle. Control circuit 1014e can be configured to respond independently of the current position P of the rotary knob in response to receiving a message including a command for controlling lighting load 1004. PRES To control the current intensity level L of lighting load 1004 PRES For example, control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the current position P of the rotary knob. PRES The lighting load 1004 is previously controlled (e.g., quickly controlled). The control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the current position P of the rotary knob. PRES Faster rate to control the current intensity level L of lighting load 1004. PRES .
[0213] Additionally, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to wait for a timeout period after receiving the last remote control command before starting to adjust the current position P of the rotary knob. PRES For example, control circuit 1014e may be configured to control (e.g., immediately control) controllable conductive device 1010 to control lighting load 1004 upon receiving a command for controlling lighting load 1004, but wait for a timeout period (e.g., no further command for controlling lighting load 1004 is received) before controlling actuator adjustment circuit 1040e to adjust the current position P of rotary knob. PRES When a user may remotely adjust the current intensity level L of lighting load 1004 multiple times within a short period of time. PRES The timeout period can prevent unwanted power to the motor 1042e.
[0214] Additionally, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to adjust the current position P of the rotary knob. PRES To indicate the status information of the control device 1000e and / or the lighting load 1004 (e.g., in addition to indicating the current intensity level L). PRES (Except for...). For example, control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the current position P of a rotary knob via controlled movement (e.g., animated movement). PRESThe control circuit 1014e is configured to periodically (e.g., cyclically) control the position of a rotary knob, for example, in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction, to indicate when the control device 1000e is in an association mode for associating the control device 1000e with one or more remote control devices (e.g., during an association process). Additionally, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to control the position of the rotary knob to multiple discrete positions (e.g., four positions) in a stepwise (e.g., discontinuous) manner to indicate that the control device 1000e is changing to a different control mode, such as a fan speed control mode. For example, the control circuit 1014e may be configured to control the position of the rotary knob to a plurality of discrete positions in a stepwise manner by: controlling the position of the rotary knob to a first position (e.g., about 20% of the circle defined by the rotary knob), and then waiting for a certain waiting period (e.g., about one second); controlling the position of the rotary knob to a second position (e.g., about 40% of the circle or circumference defined by the rotary knob), and then waiting for the waiting period; controlling the position of the rotary knob to a third position (e.g., about 60% of the circle defined by the rotary knob), and then waiting for the waiting period; and controlling the position of the rotary knob to a fourth position (e.g., about 80% of the circle defined by the rotary knob).
[0215] When adjusting the rotary knob to its current position P PRES At that time, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to stop the motor 1042e driving the actuator adjustment circuit 1040e to stop adjusting the current position P of the rotary knob in response to determining that the user is currently actuating the rotary knob to rotate the rotary knob. PRES For example, control circuit 1014e can be configured to if the current position P of the rotary knob... PRES (For example, such as from potentiometer signal V) POT The amplitude indicated is not close to the expected position P. EXP If the user is actuating the rotary knob, the control circuit 1014e will simultaneously drive the motor 1042e. The control circuit 1014e can also be configured to track the expected position P of the rotary knob based on the movement curve used to rotate the rotary knob. EXP The control circuit 1014e can be configured to if the current position P of the rotary knob... PRES Far from the predicted location P EXP If the value exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the user is actively actuating the rotary knob, and simultaneously, the control circuit 1014e actively drives the motor 1042e. Additionally, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to, if the drive signal V used to drive the motor 1042e... DR-EAny drive signal with a high duty cycle (e.g., greater than a high duty cycle threshold) and the current position P of the rotary knob after the user actuation detection period since the start of movement. PRES Destination location P not reached DEST (For example, not equal to destination location P) DEST If the user is actuating the rotary knob, the control circuit 1014e will simultaneously drive the motor 1042e.
[0216] Additionally, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to operate at the current position P of the rotary knob while the user is manually adjusting it. PRES Adjust the current position P of the rotary knob. PRES To provide feedback to the user. For example, control circuit 1014e can be configured to adjust the current position P of a rotary knob. PRES A locking mechanism (e.g., a point with higher resistance) is provided in the rotary knob. When the user is rotating the rotary knob, control circuitry 1014e can be configured to provide a locking position by controlling motor 1042e for a predetermined (e.g., short) time period, causing the drive shaft of motor 1042e to rotate in the opposite direction to the movement of the rotary knob. The locking mechanism provided by motor 1042e of actuator adjustment circuitry 1040e can be configured not to impede the user's rotation of the rotary knob, but can provide a slight impact during rotation of the rotary knob to signal the locking position to the user. For example, control circuitry 1014e can be configured to control motor 1042e to provide locking at one or more locations around a circle defined by the rotary knob (e.g., to indicate intensity levels, such as 25%, 50%, and / or 75%). Additionally, control circuitry 1042e can be configured to control motor 1042e to generate vibrations of the rotary knob at one or more locations around a circle defined by the rotary knob. When the user rotates the rotary knob, the control circuit 1014e can be configured to increase the drive signal V for driving the motor 1042e. DR-E The frequency of one or more drive signals in the control circuit is used to generate vibrations in the rotary knob. For example, the control circuit 1014e may be configured to control the motor 1042e to generate vibrations at one or more locations around a circle defined by the rotary knob to indicate a preset intensity level (e.g., a preferred or stored current intensity level).
[0217] FIG. 40 This is a flowchart of an example process 1100 for operating a control device (e.g., control devices 200, 300, 700, 900, 1000, 1000a, 1000c, 1000e) in response to receiving a message from an external device. The control device may be configured to control a lighting load, for example, adjust the current intensity level L of the lighting load. PRESFor example, the control device can include an analog intensity adjustment actuator, such as a slider control (e.g., slider controls 220, 320, 720) and / or a rotary knob (e.g., rotary knob 910) for allowing a user to adjust a present intensity level L PRES of a lighting load. The intensity adjustment actuator can be configured to control a position of a potentiometer that can generate a potentiometer signal V CMD having a magnitude indicative of a commanded intensity level L POT of the lighting load. The control device can also include an actuator adjustment system (e.g., actuator adjustment system 400, 970) and / or an actuator adjustment circuit (e.g., actuator adjustment circuits 1040a, 1041c, 1040e) for adjusting a present position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., a present position of a slider knob and / or a rotary knob). The control device can also be configured to receive a message including a command for controlling a present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load (e.g., the message can include a commanded intensity level L CMD ). In response to receiving the command for controlling the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load, the control circuit can be configured to control the present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load and adjust the present position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. For example, the control circuit can be configured to store the present intensity level L PRES and the present position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator in memory.
[0218] The control circuit can perform the process 1100 in response to receiving a message including a command for controlling a lighting load at 1110. The control circuit can control (e.g., immediately control) the lighting load in response to the command. The control circuit can determine a commanded intensity level L CMD from the command in the received message at 1112 and control a present intensity level L PRES of the lighting load to the commanded intensity level L CMD at 1114. The control circuit can then determine whether a timeout has expired since a last received command (e.g., as received in the message at 1110) at 1116. For example, the timeout can be a timeout period T TIMEOUTThe timeout period ends at (for example, approximately 1-2 seconds). If the timeout has not expired at 1114, the control circuit can determine at 1116 whether a new command for controlling the lighting load has been received since the last message containing the command was received. If a new command for controlling the lighting load has been received at 1116, the control circuit can determine the new commanded intensity level L from the new command in the received message at 1112. CMD And at 1114, the current intensity level L of the lighting load is... PRES Controlled to the new command strength level L CMD .
[0219] If the timeout expires at 1114 (e.g., no message with a new command is received at 1116), the control circuit can, at 1120, for example, based on the commanded intensity level L. CMD Determine the destination location P for the moving simulation intensity adjustment actuator DEST The control circuit can determine the destination position P. DEST Set to equal to, for example, the intensity L commanded. LCD And / or proportional to it. For example, when the commanded intensity level L CMD When the value is 50%, the control circuit can determine the destination position P. DEST Set to 50% (e.g., 50% of the length of the slider slot and / or 50% of the circumference of the rotary knob). At 1122, the control circuit can determine the destination position P. DEST Is it at the current location P? PRES Threshold Δ TH (For example, as stored in memory). For example, the control circuit can determine the destination location P at 1122. DEST and current position P PRES Differences between them (e.g., destination location P) DEST and current position P PRES Is the absolute value of the difference between them less than or equal to the threshold quantity Δ? TH For example, when the destination location P DEST At current position P PRES Threshold Δ TH During this time, the control circuit can adjust the current position P of the actuator without adjusting the analog intensity. PRES When at destination location P at 1122... DEST and current position P PRES The absolute value of the difference between them is less than or equal to the threshold Δ TH At that time, process 1100 can end.
[0220] When the destination location P is at 1122 DEST and current position PPRES the absolute value of the difference between the current position P TH , the control circuit can adjust the drive signal provided to the motor of the actuator adjustment circuit toward the destination position P DEST the current position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. For example, the control circuit can adjust the drive signal provided to the motor of the actuator adjustment circuit based on the current position P DEST and the destination position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. For example, the control circuit can adjust the drive signal provided to the motor of the actuator adjustment circuit based on the current position P PRES and the destination position P DEST of the analog intensity adjustment actuator using a digital proportional-integral controller. At 1126, the control circuit can sample the potentiometer signal V POT to determine the current position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The magnitude of the potentiometer signal V POT may provide feedback to the control circuit of the current position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The control circuit can update the current position P POT of the analog intensity adjustment actuator stored by the memory based on the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V PRES at 1126.
[0221] At 1128, the control circuit can determine whether the analog intensity adjustment actuator is at the destination position P DEST . For example, the control circuit can determine that the analog intensity adjustment actuator is at the destination position P PRES by determining whether the current position P POT of the analog intensity adjustment actuator (e.g., as indicated by the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V DEST ) is equal to the destination position P DEST . If the analog intensity adjustment actuator is not at the destination position P DEST at 1128, the control circuit can determine whether the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator while the control circuit is driving the motor of the actuator adjustment circuit to attempt to adjust the current position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator at 1130. For example, if the current position P POT of the analog intensity adjustment actuator is not close to the expected position as indicated by the magnitude of the potentiometer signal V PRES , the control circuit can determine that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator while the control circuit is driving the motor. The control circuit can be configured to track the expected position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator based also on a movement profile for moving the analog intensity adjustment actuator. The control circuit can be configured to determine that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator if the current position P POTthe current position P of the analog intensity adjustment actuator as indicated by the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V PRES greater than a threshold amount, it is determined that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator while the control circuit is driving the motor. Additionally, the control circuit can be configured to determine that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator if the duty cycle of one or more drive signals used to drive the motor is high (e.g., greater than a high duty cycle threshold) and after a user actuation detection time period has elapsed since movement began, as indicated by the potentiometer signal V POT the current position P of the analog intensity adjustment actuator as indicated by the amplitude of the potentiometer signal V PRES has not reached the destination position P DEST (e.g., is not equal to the destination position P DEST ), it is determined that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator while the control circuit is driving the motor.
[0222] If the control circuit determines at 1130 that the user is not actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator, the control circuit can cycle the drive signals provided to the motor drive circuit of the actuator adjustment circuit based on the current position P PRES and the destination position P DEST at 1124 and sample the potentiometer signal V POT to determine the current position P PRES of the analog intensity adjustment actuator at 1126. When the control circuit determines at 1128 that the analog intensity adjustment actuator is at the destination position P DEST or determines at 1130 that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator, the control circuit can cause the motor to stop (e.g., stop generating the drive signals provided to the motor drive circuit of the actuator adjustment circuit) at 1130 before exiting the process 1100.
[0223] FIGS. 31A-32Eis a flowchart of an example process 1200 for operating a control device (e.g., control devices 500, 700, 800, 1000, 1000b, 1000c, 1000d) in response to receiving a message from an external device. The control device can be configured to control a lighting load, e.g., turn the lighting load on and / or off. For example, the control device can include an actuation member (e.g., actuation member 510, 710, 810) to allow a user to turn the lighting load on and / or off. The actuation member can be configured to actuate a switch (e.g., switch 550, 850). The control device can also include an actuator adjustment system (e.g., actuator adjustment system 600, 890) and / or an actuator adjustment circuit (e.g., actuator adjustment circuit 1040b, 1040c, 1040d) to adjust the position of the actuation member. The control device can also be configured to receive a message including a command to control the lighting load (e.g., turn the lighting load on and / or off). In response to receiving the command to control the lighting load, the control circuit can be configured to turn the lighting load on and / or off and adjust the position of the actuation member.
[0224] The control circuit can perform the process 1200 in response to receiving a message including a command to control the lighting load (e.g., turn the lighting load on and / or off) at 1210. The control circuit can control (e.g., immediately control) the lighting load in response to the command. The control circuit can determine whether the command is a command to turn the lighting load on at 1212. When the command is a command to turn the lighting load on at 1212, the control circuit can turn the lighting load on at 1214. When the command is a command to turn the lighting off at 1212, the control circuit can turn the lighting load off at 1216. In some examples, if the command is a command to toggle the state of the lighting load, the control circuit can determine to turn the lighting load on if the lighting load is presently off and to turn the lighting load off if the lighting load is presently on. The control circuit can then determine whether a timeout has expired since the last command (e.g., as received in the message at 1210) was received at 1218. For example, the timeout can expire at the end of a timeout period T TIMEOUT (e.g., about 1-2 seconds) from when the message was received at 1210. If the timeout has not expired at 1218, the control circuit can determine whether a message including a new command to control the lighting load has been received since the last message including a command was received at 1210. If a message including a new command to control the lighting load has been received at 1210, the control circuit can turn the lighting load on at 1214 or turn the lighting load off at 1216.
[0225] When the timeout expires at 1218 (e.g., a message with a new command is not received at 1220), the control circuit can adjust the position of the actuating member. When the command at 1222 is a command to turn on the lighting load, the control circuit can control the actuator adjustment circuit to adjust the position of the actuating member to the on position at 1224, and the process 1200 can end. When the command at 1222 is a command to turn off the lighting load, the control circuit can control the actuator adjustment circuit to adjust the position of the actuating member to the off position at 1226, and the process 1200 can end. For example, the control circuit can control the motor of the actuator adjustment circuit (e.g., the motor 610 of the actuator adjustment system 600, the motor 1042b of the actuator adjustment circuit 1040b, and / or the motor of the actuator adjustment circuit 1040c) to adjust the position of the actuating member at 1024 and 1026. The control circuit can control the motor to rotate a pivot axis of the over-center spring mechanism (e.g., the over-center spring mechanism 570) a full rotation (e.g., approximately 360 degrees) in a first direction to adjust the position of the actuating member from the off position to the on position, and a full rotation (e.g., approximately 360 degrees) in a second direction to adjust the position of the actuating member from the on position to the off position, for example. Additionally, the control circuit can control one or more solenoids of the actuator adjustment circuit (e.g., the solenoids 892a, 892b of the actuator adjustment system 890 and / or the solenoids controlled by the first solenoid coil 1050d and the second solenoid coil 1060d of the actuator adjustment circuit 1040d) to adjust the position of the actuating member at 1024 and 1026. For example, the control circuit can be configured to energize a first solenoid of the solenoids to adjust the actuating member to the on position, and energize only a second solenoid of the solenoids to adjust the actuating member to the off position. Further, the control circuit can be configured to energize both solenoids as part of a first adjustment sequence to adjust the actuating member from the off position to the on position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 32A-32E ), and energize both solenoids as part of a second adjustment sequence to adjust the actuating member from the on position to the off position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 41 ).
[0226] FIGS. 31A-32Eis a flowchart of an example process 1300 for operating a control device (e.g., control device 800, 1000d) in response to receiving a message from an external device. The control device can be configured to control a lighting load, e.g., turn on and / or turn off the lighting load. For example, the control device can include an actuation member (e.g., actuation member 810) to allow a user to turn on and / or turn off the lighting load. The actuation member can be configured to actuate a switch (e.g., switch 850). The control device can also include an actuator adjustment system including one or more solenoids (e.g., actuator adjustment system 890 including solenoids 892a, 892b) and / or an actuator adjustment circuit including solenoid coils for controlling the one or more solenoids (e.g., actuator adjustment circuit 1040d including first solenoid coil 1050d and second solenoid coil 1060d) for adjusting a position of the actuation member. The control device can also be configured to receive a message including a command for controlling the lighting load (e.g., turning on and / or turning off the lighting load). In response to receiving the command for controlling the lighting load, the control circuit can be configured to turn on and / or turn off the lighting load and adjust the position of the actuation member.
[0227] The control circuit can perform the process 1300 in response to receiving a message including a command for controlling a lighting load (e.g., turning on and / or turning off the lighting load) at 1310. The control circuit can control (e.g., immediately control) the lighting load in response to the command. The control circuit can determine whether the command received at 1310 is a command for turning on the lighting load at 1312. When the command is determined to be a command for turning on the lighting load at 1312, the control circuit can turn on the lighting load at 1314. When the command is determined to be a command for turning off the lighting at 1312, the control circuit can turn off the lighting load at 1316. In some examples, if the command is a command for toggling the state of the lighting load, the control circuit can determine to turn on the lighting load if the lighting load is presently off and to turn off the lighting load if the lighting load is presently on. The control circuit can then determine whether a timeout has expired since the last command (e.g., as received in the message at 1310) was received at 1318. For example, the timeout can expire at the end of a timeout period T TIMEOUT (e.g., approximately xx seconds) from when the message was received at 1310. If the timeout has not expired at 1318, the control circuit can determine whether a message including a new command for controlling the lighting load has been received since the last message including a command was received at 1310. If a message including a new command for controlling the lighting load has been received at 1310, the control circuit can turn on the lighting load at 1314 or turn off the lighting load at 1316.
[0228] When the timeout expires at 1318 (e.g., no message with a new command is received at 1310), the control circuit can adjust the position of the actuating member. When the command at 1320 is a command to turn on the lighting load, the control circuit can adjust the actuating member from the off position to the on position by energizing both solenoids as part of a first adjustment sequence (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31B FIG. 6B). For example, the control circuit can energize the first solenoid (e.g., first solenoid 892a) at 1322 to cause the prong to extend behind the upper portion of the actuating member (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31C FIG. 6B). At 1324, the control circuit can energize the second solenoid (e.g., second solenoid 892b) to cause the prong to extend behind the lower portion of the actuating member (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31D FIG. 6B). For example, the control circuit can control the solenoids such that the force of the prongs on the actuating member is approximately equal. At 1326, the control circuit can control the first solenoid to cause the prong to retract slightly, e.g., to reduce the force of the prong on the actuating member (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31E FIG. 6B). At 1328, the control circuit can de-energize both solenoids to cause both prongs to fully retract (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 31A-32E FIG. 6B), and the process 1300 can end.
[0229] When the command at 1320 is a command to turn off the lighting load, the control circuit can adjust the actuating member from the on position to the off position by energizing both solenoids as part of a second adjustment sequence (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32B FIG. 6B). For example, the control circuit can energize the second solenoid at 1330 to cause the prong to extend behind the lower portion of the actuating member (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32C FIG. 6B). At 1332, the control circuit can energize the first solenoid to cause the prong to extend behind the lower portion of the actuating member (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32D FIG. 6B). For example, the control circuit can control the solenoids such that the force of the prongs on the actuating member is approximately equal. At 1334, the control circuit can control the second solenoid to cause the prong to retract slightly, e.g., to reduce the force of the prong on the actuating member (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32E FIG. 6B). At 1336, the control circuit can de-energize both solenoids to cause both prongs to fully retract (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32E FIG. 6B), and the process 1300 can end.
Claims
1. A control device for controlling a lighting load, the control device comprising: an analog intensity adjustment actuator configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by the lighting load; a communication circuit configured to receive a message from a remote device, the message including a commanded intensity level for controlling the lighting load; an actuator adjustment system configured to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator; and a control circuit configured to control an amount of power delivered to an electrical load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator, the control circuit further configured to control the actuator adjustment system to adjust the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator in response to the message received from the remote device via the communication circuit, wherein the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator is adjusted to indicate the commanded intensity level.
2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator comprises a slider knob configured to move within an elongated slot.
3. The control device of claim 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the actuator adjustment system to adjust a position of the slider knob within the elongated slot to indicate the commanded intensity level.
4. The control device of claim 3, wherein the slider knob is configured to move linearly within the elongated slot between a low end position associated with a low end intensity level and a high end position associated with a high end intensity level.
5. The control device of claim 3, wherein the actuator adjustment system comprises a motor and a gear assembly coupled to the motor.
6. The control device of claim 5, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the slider knob such that rotation of the motor is translated to linear movement of the slider knob.
7. The control device of claim 6, wherein the gear assembly comprises a circular gear that engages a linear gear such that rotation of the circular gear is translated to linear movement of the linear gear.
8. The control device of claim 7, further comprising a linear potentiometer having a shaft coupled to the slider knob.
9. The control device of claim 8, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the slider knob via the shaft of the linear potentiometer.
10. The control device of claim 9, wherein the linear gear comprises a coupling portion configured to receive the shaft of the potentiometer such that the linear potentiometer moves linearly with the linear gear.
11. The control device of claim 10, wherein the coupling portion defines an opening configured to encircle the shaft of the linear potentiometer.
12. The control device of claim 10, wherein the slider knob moves in an upward direction when the motor is rotated in a first angular direction and moves in a downward direction when the motor is rotated in a second angular direction.
13. The control device of claim 12, wherein the linear gear comprises a plurality of teeth arranged in a linear array on a rack plate.
14. The control device of claim 13, wherein the rack plate comprises a fin configured to maintain alignment between the circular gear and the linear gear.
15. The control device of claim 14, wherein the fin is configured to move along a channel in a cradle of the control device.
16. The control device of claim 15, wherein the cradle is configured to secure a printed circuit board of the control device to a yoke of the control device.
17. The control device of claim 15, wherein the cradle comprises a plurality of ribs configured to be received in a corresponding plurality of slots of the yoke.
18. The control device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of ribs and the corresponding plurality of slots are configured to provide mechanical support and allow heat transfer in the yoke.
19. The control device of claim 3, further comprising a potentiometer configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage representative of the commanded intensity level.
20. The control device of claim 19, wherein the slider knob is mechanically coupled to the potentiometer.
21. The control device of claim 19, wherein the control circuit is configured to use a magnitude of the DC voltage generated by the potentiometer as feedback for closed loop control of the actuator adjustment system.
22. The control device of claim 21, wherein the feedback is used to determine whether a user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator while the actuator adjustment system is operating, and to stop controlling the actuator adjustment system in response to determining that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
23. The control device of claim 2, further comprising: an actuation member configured to pivot in response to actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member or a lower portion of the actuation member; wherein the control circuit is configured to turn the electrical load on in response to actuation of the upper portion of the actuation member and turn the electrical load off in response to actuation of the lower portion of the actuation member.
24. The control device of claim 23, wherein the actuation member is configured to return to an idle position when the upper portion or the lower portion of the actuation member is released.
25. The control device of claim 23, wherein the actuation member comprises one or more bias arms configured to hold the actuation member in the idle position.
26. The control device of claim 2, wherein the control circuit is further configured to illuminate the elongated slot of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
27. The control device of claim 1, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator comprises a rotary knob configured to be rotatable relative to a collar of the control device.
28. The control device of claim 27, wherein the rotary knob includes an indicator configured to indicate the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.
29. The control device of claim 28, wherein the rotary knob is characterized by a non- continuous rotation having a high end stop point and a low end stop point.
30. The control device of claim 29, wherein when the rotary knob is at the low end stop point, the indicator of the rotary knob is in a first position, and when the rotary knob is at the high end stop point, the indicator of the rotary knob is in a second position.
31. The control device of claim 30, wherein the first position is spaced apart from the second position by approximately 360 degrees of rotation of the rotary knob.
32. The control device of claim 30, wherein the first position indicates a minimum intensity level and the second position indicates a maximum intensity level.
33. The control device of claim 31, wherein the actuator adjustment system includes a motor and a gear assembly coupled to the motor.
34. The control device of claim 32, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the rotary knob such that rotation of the motor is translated into rotational movement of the rotary knob.
35. The control device of claim 34, wherein the gear assembly includes a first circular gear and a second circular gear.
36. The control device of claim 35, further comprising a rotary potentiometer having a shaft coupled to the rotary knob.
37. The control device of claim 36, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the rotary knob via the rotary potentiometer.
38. The control device of claim 36, wherein when the motor is rotated in a first angular direction, the rotary knob is rotated clockwise, and when the motor is rotated in a second angular direction, the rotary knob is rotated counterclockwise.
39. The control device of claim 1, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator is configured as a control potentiometer.
40. The control device of claim 1, further comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load; wherein the control circuit is configured to control the controllably conductive device to control an amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to the manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
41. The control device of claim 40, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to a commanded intensity level included in the message received from the remote device.
42. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to send a message including a command for controlling the lighting load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
43. A control device for controlling a lighting load, the control device comprising: an analog intensity adjustment actuator configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by the lighting load; communication circuitry configured to receive a message from a remote device, the message including a commanded intensity level for controlling the lighting load; control circuitry configured to control a magnitude of a load current conducted through the lighting load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator; and an actuator adjustment system configured to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator; wherein, in response to receiving the message from the remote device, the control circuitry is configured to control the magnitude of the load current to the commanded intensity level and to control the actuator adjustment system to adjust the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator, wherein the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator is adjusted to indicate the commanded intensity level.
44. The control device of claim 43, wherein, In response to receiving the message from the remote device, the control device is configured to control the magnitude of the load current independently of adjusting the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
45. The control device of claim 43, wherein the control device is configured to first adjust the magnitude of the load current and then, after a predetermined delay, adjust the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
46. The control device of claim 45, wherein the predetermined delay is configured to avoid unnecessary intermediate adjustments of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
47. The control device of claim 43, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the lighting load from a present intensity level to the commanded intensity level at a first rate and to adjust the position of the analog adjustment actuator at a second rate that is slower than the first rate.
48. The control device of claim 43, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator includes a slider knob configured to move within an elongated slot.
49. The control device of claim 48, wherein a position of the slider knob within the elongated slot indicates the commanded intensity level.
50. The control device of claim 48, wherein the slider knob is configured to move linearly within the elongated slot between a low-end position associated with a low-end intensity level and a high-end position associated with a high-end intensity level.
51. The control device of claim 48, wherein the actuator adjustment system includes a motor and a gear assembly coupled to the motor.
52. The control device of claim 51, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the slider knob such that rotation of the motor is translated to linear movement of the slider knob.
53. The control device of claim 51, wherein the gear assembly includes a circular gear that engages a linear gear such that rotation of the circular gear is translated to linear movement of the linear gear.
54. The control device of claim 53, further comprising a linear potentiometer having a shaft coupled to the slider knob.
55. The control device of claim 54, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the slider knob via the shaft of the linear potentiometer.
56. The control device of claim 55, wherein the linear potentiometer is configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage representative of the commanded intensity level.
57. The control device of claim 56, wherein the slider knob is mechanically coupled to the linear potentiometer.
58. The control device of claim 55, wherein the linear gear includes a coupling portion configured to receive a shaft of the linear potentiometer such that the linear potentiometer moves linearly with the linear gear.
59. The control device of claim 58, wherein the coupling portion defines an opening configured to encircle the shaft of the linear potentiometer.
60. The control device of claim 55, wherein the slider knob moves in an upward direction when the motor rotates in a first angular direction and moves in a downward direction when the motor rotates in a second angular direction.
61. The control device of claim 54, wherein the linear gear includes a plurality of teeth arranged in a linear array on a rack plate.
62. The control device of claim 61, wherein the rack plate includes a fin configured to maintain alignment between the circular gear and the linear gear.
63. The control device of claim 62, wherein the fin is configured to move within a channel in a cradle of the control device as the slider knob moves within the elongated slot.
64. The control device of claim 63, wherein the cradle is configured to secure a printed circuit board of the control device to a yoke of the control device.
65. The control device of claim 43, further comprising: an actuation member configured to pivot in response to actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member or a lower portion of the actuation member; wherein the control circuit is configured to turn on an electrical load in response to actuation of the upper portion of the actuation member and turn off the electrical load in response to actuation of the lower portion of the actuation member.
66. The control device of claim 65, wherein the actuation member is configured to return to an idle position when the upper portion or the lower portion of the actuation member is released.
67. The control device of claim 65, wherein the actuation member includes one or more biasing arms configured to hold the actuation member in the idle position.
68. The control device of claim 43, wherein the control circuit is further configured to illuminate the elongated slot of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
69. The control device of claim 43, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator includes a rotary knob configured to be rotatable relative to a collar of the control device.
70. The control device of claim 69, wherein the rotary knob includes an indicator configured to indicate the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.
71. The control device of claim 69, wherein the rotary knob is characterized by a non- continuous rotation having a high end stop point and a low end stop point.
72. The control device of claim 71, wherein when the rotary knob is at the low end stop point, an indicator of the rotary knob is in a first position, and when the rotary knob is at the high end stop point, the indicator of the rotary knob is in a second position.
73. The control device of claim 72, wherein the first position is spaced apart from the second position by approximately 360 degrees of rotation of the rotary knob.
74. The control device of claim 72, wherein the first position indicates a minimum intensity level and the second position indicates a maximum intensity level.
75. The control device of claim 69, wherein the actuator adjustment system includes a motor and a gear assembly coupled to the motor.
76. The control device of claim 75, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the rotary knob such that rotation of the motor is translated into rotational movement of the rotary knob.
77. The control device of claim 76, wherein the gear assembly includes a first circular gear and a second circular gear.
78. The control device of claim 76, further comprising a rotary potentiometer having a shaft coupled to the rotary knob.
79. The control device of claim 78, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the rotary knob via the rotary potentiometer.
80. The control device of claim 76, wherein when the motor is rotated in a first angular direction, the rotary knob is rotated clockwise, and when the motor is rotated in a second angular direction, the rotary knob is rotated counterclockwise.
81. The control device of claim 43, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator is configured to control a potentiometer.
82. The control device of claim 43, further comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load; wherein the control circuit is configured to control the controllably conductive device to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to the manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
83. The control device of claim 82, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to a commanded intensity level included in the message received from the remote device.
84. The control device of claim 43, wherein the control circuit is configured to send a message including a command for controlling the lighting load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
85. A control device for controlling a lighting load, the control device comprising: a communication circuit configured to receive a message from a remote device, the message including a commanded intensity level for controlling the lighting load; a potentiometer configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage representing the commanded intensity level, the potentiometer including a shaft, wherein a magnitude of the DC voltage is adjusted in response to movement of the shaft; a motor coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer via a gear assembly; and a control circuit configured to control the motor to adjust a position of the shaft of the potentiometer so that the magnitude of the DC voltage corresponds to the commanded intensity level in response to receiving the message.
86. The control device of claim 85, further comprising: an analog intensity adjustment actuator operatively coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer, the analog intensity adjustment actuator configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by the lighting load.
87. The control device of claim 86, wherein the control circuit is configured to use the magnitude of the DC voltage generated by the potentiometer as feedback for closed loop control of the motor.
88. The control device of claim 87, wherein the feedback is used to determine whether a user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator while the motor is operating, and to stop driving the motor in response to determining that the user is actuating the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
89. The control device of claim 86, wherein the motor and the gear assembly are part of an actuator adjustment system configured to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator in response to receiving the message.
90. The control device of claim 89, wherein the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator is adjusted to indicate the commanded intensity level.
91. The control device of claim 86, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator includes a slider knob configured to move within an elongated slot.
92. The control device of claim 91, wherein the control circuit is configured to control an actuator adjustment system to adjust a position of the slider knob within the elongated slot to indicate the commanded intensity level.
93. The control device of claim 91, wherein the slider knob is configured to move linearly within the elongated slot between a low end position associated with a low end intensity level and a high end position associated with a high end intensity level.
94. The control device of claim 91, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the slider knob such that rotation of the motor is translated to linear movement of the slider knob.
95. The control device of claim 91, wherein the gear assembly includes a circular gear that engages a linear gear such that rotation of the circular gear is translated to linear movement of the linear gear. 96. The control device of claim 95, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the slider knob via the shaft of the linear potentiometer.
97. The control device of claim 96, wherein the linear gear includes a coupling portion configured to receive the shaft of the potentiometer such that the potentiometer moves linearly with the linear gear.
98. The control device of claim 97, wherein the coupling portion defines an opening configured to encircle the shaft of the potentiometer.
99. The control device of claim 92, wherein the slider knob moves in an upward direction when the motor rotates in a first angular direction and moves in a downward direction when the motor rotates in a second angular direction.
100. The control device of claim 92, wherein linear gear includes a plurality of teeth arranged in a linear array on a rack plate.
101. The control device of claim 100, wherein the rack plate includes a fin configured to maintain alignment between a circular gear and the linear gear.
102. The control device of claim 101, wherein the fin is configured to move along a channel in a cradle of the control device.
103. The control device of claim 102, wherein the cradle is configured to secure a printed circuit board of the control device to a yoke of the control device.
104. The control device of claim 102, wherein the cradle includes a plurality of ribs configured to be received in a corresponding plurality of slots of a yoke.
105. The control device of claim 104, wherein the plurality of ribs and the corresponding plurality of slots are configured to provide mechanical support and allow heat transfer in the yoke.
106. The control device of claim 92, wherein the slider knob is mechanically coupled to the potentiometer.
107. The control device of claim 86, wherein the analog intensity adjustment actuator includes a rotary knob configured to be rotatable relative to a collar of the control device.
108. The control device of claim 107, wherein the rotary knob includes an indicator configured to indicate the commanded intensity level of the lighting load.
109. The control device of claim 107, wherein the rotary knob is characterized by a non-continuous rotation having a high end stop point and a low end stop point.
110. The control device of claim 109, wherein an indicator of the rotary knob is in a first position when the rotary knob is at the low end stop point and in a second position when the rotary knob is at the high end stop point.
111. The control device of claim 110, wherein the first position is spaced apart from the second position by approximately 360 degrees of rotation of the rotary knob.
112. The control device of claim 110, wherein the first position indicates a minimum intensity level and the second position indicates a maximum intensity level.
113. The control device of claim 107, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the rotary knob such that rotation of the motor is translated into rotational movement of the rotary knob.
114. The control device of claim 113, wherein the gear assembly comprises a first circular gear and a second circular gear.
115. The control device of claim 113, wherein the gear assembly is operatively coupled to the rotary knob via the potentiometer.
116. The control device of claim 113, wherein the rotary knob rotates clockwise when the motor rotates in a first angular direction and rotates counterclockwise when the motor rotates in a second angular direction.
117. The control device of claim 92, wherein the control circuit is further configured to illuminate the elongated slot of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
118. The control device of claim 85, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the motor by: increasing a rotational speed of the motor during a ramp-up period at a beginning of the movement; decreasing the rotational speed of the motor during a ramp-down period at an end of the movement; and maintaining the rotational speed of the motor substantially constant between the ramp-up period and the ramp-down period.
119. The control device of claim 85, further comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load; wherein the control circuit is configured to control the controllably conductive device to control an amount of electrical power delivered to the lighting load in response to rotation of the shaft of the potentiometer.
120. The control device of claim 119, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the amount of electrical power delivered to the electrical load in response to a commanded intensity level included in the message received from the remote device.
121. The control device of claim 85, wherein the control circuit is configured to send a message including a command for controlling the lighting load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
122. The control device of claim 92, further comprising: an actuation member configured to pivot in response to actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member or a lower portion of the actuation member; wherein the control circuit is configured to turn on an electrical load in response to actuation of the upper portion of the actuation member and turn off the electrical load in response to actuation of the lower portion of the actuation member.
123. The control device of claim 122, wherein the actuation member is configured to return to an idle position when the upper portion or the lower portion of the actuation member is released.
124. The control device of claim 123, wherein the actuation member comprises one or more biasing arms configured to hold the actuation member in the idle position.
125. A control device for controlling an electrical load, the control device comprising: an actuation member configured to be operated to a first position in response to actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member and to a second position in response to actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member; a communication circuit configured to receive a message from a remote device, the message comprising a command to turn the electrical load on or off; an actuator adjustment system configured to adjust a position of the actuation member between the first position and the second position in response to receiving the message from the remote device; and a control circuit configured to: turn the electrical load on in response to actuation of the upper portion of the actuation member; turn the electrical load off in response to actuation of the lower portion of the actuation member; and control the actuator to adjust the position of the actuation member between the first position and the second position in response to receiving the message from the remote device.
126. The control device of claim 125, further comprising an over-center spring mechanism for holding the actuation member in the first position or the second position.
127. The control device of claim 126, wherein the over-center spring mechanism comprises a spring and a pivot member.
128. The control device of claim 127, wherein the spring extends between the actuation member and the pivot member.
129. The control device of claim 128, wherein the spring is attached to the actuation member via a first tab extending from a rear surface of the actuation member, and wherein the spring is attached to the pivot member via a second tab extending from the pivot member.
130. The control device of claim 129, wherein the over-center spring mechanism is configured to hold the actuation member in both the first position and the second position.
131. The control device of claim 130, wherein the actuator adjustment system comprises a motor configured to adjust a position of a pivot point of the over-center spring mechanism to adjust the actuation member between the first position and the second position.
132. The control device of claim 131, further comprising a support member rotatably coupled to a bezel of the control device, the support member defining an axis of rotation.
133. The control device of claim 132, wherein the support member comprises a stem pivotably supporting the pivot member.
134. The control device of claim 133, wherein the pivot member comprises an arm configured to at least partially wrap around the stem.
135. The control device of claim 134, wherein the stem is configured to move closer to and then away from a rear surface of the actuation member with rotation of the support member, such that the spring is compressed and decompressed with rotation of the motor. 136. The control device of claim 135, wherein the pivot member tilts toward the lower portion of the actuation member when the actuation member is in the second position, and the pivot member tilts toward the upper portion of the actuation member when the actuation member is in the first position.
137. The control device of claim 136, wherein the control circuit is configured to: rotate the motor such that the support member rotates 360 degrees in a first angular direction to adjust the actuation member from the first position to the second position; and rotate the motor such that the support member rotates 360 degrees in a second angular direction to adjust the actuation member from the second position to the first position.
138. The control device of claim 137, wherein the lever is configured to rest at a normal position closest to the actuation member.
139. The control device of claim 138, wherein when the actuation member is in the second position, the lever rotates from the normal position in the second angular direction to extend the spring until the lever is approximately 180 degrees from the normal position.
140. The control device of claim 139, wherein the lever continues to rotate in the second angular direction toward the actuation member such that the spring compresses and pushes the actuation member from the second position to the first position.
141. The control device of claim 140, wherein the lever continues to rotate in a second angular position until it reaches the normal position.
142. The control device of claim 137, wherein when the actuation member is in the first position, the lever rotates from the normal position in the first angular direction to extend the spring until the lever is approximately 180 degrees from the normal position.
143. The control device of claim 142, wherein the lever continues to rotate in the first angular direction toward the actuation member such that the spring compresses and pushes the actuation member from the first position to the second position.
144. The control device of claim 143, wherein the lever continues to rotate in a first angular position until it reaches the normal position.
145. The control device of claim 130, wherein the actuator adjustment system comprises one or more solenoids positioned between the actuation member and a wall box to which the control device is attached, the one or more solenoids configured to adjust the actuation member between the first position and the second position.
146. The control device of claim 145, wherein each solenoid of the one or more solenoids comprises a leg configured to abut the back surface of the actuation member.
147. The control device of claim 146, wherein the one or more solenoids comprise: a first solenoid having a first leg configured to abut the back surface behind the upper portion of the actuation member; and a second solenoid having a second leg configured to abut the back surface behind the lower portion of the actuation member. a second solenoid having a second leg configured to abut the back surface behind the lower portion of the actuation member.
148. The control device of claim 147, wherein the first solenoid is configured to press outward on the upper portion of the actuation member to operate the actuation member to the second position, and wherein the second solenoid is configured to press outward on the lower portion of the actuation member to operate the actuation member to the first position.
149. The control device of claim 148, further comprising: a first damping pad attached to the back surface behind the upper portion of the actuation member, wherein the first leg is configured to abut the first damping pad; and a second damping pad attached to the back surface behind the lower portion of the actuation member, wherein the second leg is configured to abut the second damping pad.
150. The control device of claim 148, wherein the control circuit is configured to: energize only the first solenoid to adjust the actuation member to the second position; and energize only the second solenoid to adjust the actuation member to the first position.
151. The control device of claim 148, wherein the control circuit is configured to energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid when adjusting the actuation member between the first position and the second position.
152. The control device of claim 151, wherein the control circuit is configured to: energize the first solenoid to extend the first leg to preload the actuation member when the actuation member is in the second position; and energize the second solenoid to extend the second leg to adjust the actuation member to the first position.
153. The control device of claim 152, wherein the control circuit is configured to de-energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid when the actuation member reaches the first position.
154. The control device of claim 151, wherein the control circuit is configured to: energize the second solenoid to extend the second leg to preload the actuation member when the actuation member is in the first position; and energize the first solenoid to extend the first leg to adjust the actuation member to the second position.
155. The control device of claim 154, wherein the control circuit is configured to de-energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid when the actuation member reaches the second position.
156. The control device of claim 125, further comprising an analog intensity adjustment actuator configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by a lighting load.
157. The control device of claim 156, further comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load; wherein the message includes a command to control the lighting load, and wherein the control circuit is configured to control the controllably conductive device to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to movement of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
158. The control device of claim 156, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
159. The control device of claim 156, wherein the actuator adjustment system is further configured to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator in response to the message received from the remote device via the communication circuit.
160. The control device of claim 159, wherein the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator is adjusted to indicate the commanded intensity level.
161. The control device of claim 156, wherein in response to receiving the message from the remote device, the control circuit is configured to control a magnitude of a load current to the commanded intensity level and control the actuator adjustment system to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
162. The control device of claim 125, further comprising a potentiometer configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage representative of the commanded intensity level.
163. The control device of claim 162, wherein the potentiometer includes a shaft, and wherein a magnitude of the DC voltage is adjusted in response to movement of the shaft.
164. The control device of claim 163, further comprising a motor coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer via a gear assembly.
165. The control device of claim 164, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the motor to adjust a position of the shaft of the potentiometer such that the magnitude of the DC voltage corresponds to the commanded intensity level in response to receiving the message.
166. A control device for controlling an electrical load, the control device comprising: an actuation member configured to be operated to a first position in response to actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member and to a second position in response to actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member; a communication circuit configured to receive a message from a remote device, the message including a command to turn the electrical load on or off; an over-center spring mechanism to hold the actuation member in the first position and the second position; a motor configured to adjust a pivot point of the over-center spring mechanism to adjust the actuation member between the first position and the second position; and a control circuit configured to: turn the electrical load on in response to actuation of the upper portion of the actuation member; turning off the electrical load in response to actuation of the lower portion of the actuation member; and controlling the motor to adjust a position of the actuation member between the first position and the second position in response to receiving the message from the remote device.
167. The control device of claim 166, wherein the over-center spring mechanism comprises a spring and a pivot member.
168. The control device of claim 167, wherein the spring extends between the actuation member and the pivot member.
169. The control device of claim 168, wherein the spring is attached to the actuation member via a first tab extending from a rear surface of the actuation member, and wherein the spring is attached to the pivot member via a second tab extending from the pivot member.
170. The control device of claim 169, wherein the over-center spring mechanism is configured to hold the actuation member in both the first position and the second position.
171. The control device of claim 170, wherein the motor is configured to adjust a position of the pivot point to adjust the actuation member between the first position and the second position.
172. The control device of claim 171, further comprising a support member rotatably coupled to a bezel of the control device, the support member defining an axis of rotation.
173. The control device of claim 172, wherein the support member comprises a stem pivotably supporting the pivot member.
174. The control device of claim 173, wherein the pivot member comprises an arm configured to at least partially wrap around the stem.
175. The control device of claim 174, wherein the stem is configured to move closer to and then away from a rear surface of the actuation member with rotation of the support member, such that the spring is compressed and decompressed with rotation of the motor.
176. The control device of claim 175, wherein the pivot member is tilted toward the lower portion of the actuation member when the actuation member is in the second position, and the pivot member is tilted toward the upper portion of the actuation member when the actuation member is in the first position.
177. The control device of claim 176, wherein the control circuit is configured to: rotate the motor such that the support member rotates 360 degrees in a first angular direction to adjust the actuation member from the first position to the second position; and rotate the motor such that the support member rotates 360 degrees in a second angular direction to adjust the actuation member from the second position to the first position.
178. The control device of claim 177, wherein the stem is rotated from a normal position in the second angular direction to stretch the spring when the actuation member is in the second position, until the stem is approximately 180 degrees from the normal position.
179. The control device of claim 178, wherein the lever continues to rotate in the second angular direction toward the actuation member such that the spring compresses and pushes the actuation member from the second position to the first position.
180. The control device of claim 179, wherein the lever continues to rotate in the second angular position until it reaches the normal position.
181. The control device of claim 177, wherein when the actuation member is in the first position, the lever rotates in the first angular direction from the normal position to expand the spring until the lever is approximately 180 degrees from the normal position.
182. The control device of claim 181, wherein the lever continues to rotate in the first angular direction toward the actuation member such that the spring compresses and pushes the actuation member from the first position to the second position.
183. The control device of claim 182, wherein the lever continues to rotate in the first angular position until it reaches the normal position.
184. The control device of claim 166, further comprising an analog intensity adjustment actuator configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by a lighting load.
185. The control device of claim 184, further comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in a series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load; wherein the message includes a command to control the lighting load, and wherein the control circuit is configured to control the controllably conductive device to control an amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to movement of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
186. The control device of claim 184, wherein the control circuit is configured to control an amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response to manual operation of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
187. The control device of claim 184, wherein the actuator adjustment system is further configured to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator in response to the message received from the remote device via the communication circuit.
188. The control device of claim 187, wherein the position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator is adjusted to indicate the commanded intensity level.
189. The control device of claim 184, wherein in response to receiving the message from the remote device, the control circuit is configured to control a magnitude of a load current to the commanded intensity level and control the actuator adjustment system to adjust a position of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
190. The control device of claim 166, further comprising a potentiometer configured to generate a direct current (DC) voltage representative of the commanded intensity level.
191. The control device of claim 190, wherein the potentiometer includes a shaft, and wherein a magnitude of the DC voltage is adjusted in response to movement of the shaft.
192. The control device of claim 191, further comprising a motor coupled to the shaft of the potentiometer via a gear assembly.
193. The control device of claim 192, wherein the control circuit is configured to, in response to receiving the message, control the motor to adjust a position of the shaft of the potentiometer such that the magnitude of the DC voltage corresponds to the commanded intensity level.
194. A control device for controlling an electrical load, the control device comprising: an actuation member configured to be operated to a first position in response to actuation of an upper portion of the actuation member and to a second position in response to actuation of a lower portion of the actuation member; a communication circuit configured to receive a message from a remote device, the message including a command to turn the electrical load on or off; one or more solenoids positioned between the actuation member and a wall box to which the control device is attached, the one or more solenoids configured to adjust the actuation member between the first position and the second position; and a control circuit configured to control the one or more solenoids to adjust a position of the actuation member between the first position and the second position in response to receiving the message from the remote device.
195. The control device of claim 194, wherein the control circuit is further configured to: turn the electrical load on in response to actuation of the upper portion of the actuation member; and turn the electrical load off in response to actuation of the lower portion of the actuation member.
196. The control device of claim 194, further comprising an over-center spring mechanism for controlling the position of the actuation member.
197. The control device of claim 196, wherein the over-center spring mechanism comprises a spring and a pivot member.
198. The control device of claim 197, wherein the spring extends between the actuation member and the pivot member.
199. The control device of claim 198, wherein the spring is attached to the actuation member via a first tab extending from a back surface of the actuation member, and wherein the spring is attached to the pivot member via a second tab extending from the pivot member.
200. The control device of claim 199, wherein the over-center spring mechanism is configured to hold the actuation member in both the first position and the second position.
201. The control device of claim 200, wherein each solenoid of the one or more solenoids comprises a leg configured to abut the back surface of the actuation member.
202. The control device of claim 201, wherein the one or more solenoids comprise: a first solenoid having a first leg configured to abut the back surface behind the upper portion of the actuation member; and a second solenoid having a second leg configured to abut the back surface behind the lower portion of the actuation member. a second solenoid having a second leg configured to abut the back surface behind the lower portion of the actuation member.
203. The control device of claim 02, wherein the first solenoid is configured to press outward on the upper portion of the actuation member to operate the actuation member to the second position, and wherein the second solenoid is configured to press outward on the lower portion of the actuation member to operate the actuation member to the first position.
204. The control device of claim 203, further comprising: a first damping pad attached to the back surface behind the upper portion of the actuation member, wherein the first leg is configured to abut the first damping pad; and a second damping pad attached to the back surface behind the lower portion of the actuation member, wherein the second leg is configured to abut the second damping pad.
205. The control device of claim 202, wherein the control circuit is configured to: energize only the first solenoid to adjust the actuation member to the second position; and energize only the second solenoid to adjust the actuation member to the first position.
206. The control device of claim 202, wherein the control circuit is configured to energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid when adjusting the actuation member between the first position and the second position.
207. The control device of claim 206, wherein when the actuation member is in the second position, the control device is configured to: energize the first solenoid to extend the first leg, thereby preloading the actuation member; and energize the second solenoid to extend the second leg, thereby adjusting the actuation member to the first position.
208. The control device of claim 207, wherein the control device is configured to de-energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid when the actuation member reaches the first position.
209. The control device of claim 206, wherein when the actuation member is in the first position, the control device is configured to: energize the second solenoid to extend the second leg, thereby preloading the actuation member; and energize the first solenoid to extend the first leg, thereby adjusting the actuation member to the second position.
210. The control device of claim 209, wherein the control device is configured to de-energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid when the actuation member reaches the second position.
211. The control device of claim 194, further comprising an analog intensity adjustment actuator configured to be manually operated to adjust an intensity level of light emitted by a lighting load.
212. The control device of claim 211, further comprising: a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an alternating current (AC) power source and the lighting load; wherein the message includes a command for controlling the lighting load, and wherein the control circuit is configured to control the controllably conductive device to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to movement of the analog intensity adjustment actuator.
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