Flexible connector assembly for a load control device

• US 7,896,674 B2
• Filed: 10/23/2009
• Issued: 03/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
• Original Assignee: Lutron Electronics Company Incorporated (Lutron Electronics)
• Inventors: Altonen, Gregory, Hibshman, Bradley T., Nearhoof, Jeremy, DiMaggio, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Truc T
• Application Number:
  US12/604,467
• Publication Number:
  US 20100041263A1
• Time in Patent Office: 494 Days
• Field of Search: 439/131, 439/247
• US Class Current: 439/247
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/044 continuously H05B39/042 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/085 by touch control
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/141 One or more single auxiliary printed circuits mounted on a main printed circuit, e.g. modules, adapters H05K1/142 and H05K1/147 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/148 Arrangements of two or more hingeably connected rigid printed circuit boards, i.e. connected by flexible means
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10189 Non-printed connector
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/00 Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps

Abstract

A load control device has a modular assembly to allow for easy adjustment of the aesthetic and the color of the load control device after installation. The load control device comprises a user interface module and a base module. The user interface module includes an actuation member for receiving a user input and a visual display for providing feedback to the user. A connector of the base module is adapted to be coupled to a connector of the user interface module, such that the base module and the user interface module are electrically connected. The connector of the base module is adapted to move along a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis of the dimmer, such that the actuation member is easily aligned within an opening of a faceplate.

Claims

1. A flexible connector assembly comprising:

an enclosure adapted to house an electrical circuit, the enclosure having an opening defining a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

a main printed circuit board, the electrical circuit mounted to the main printed circuit board;

a flexible cable having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end electrically connected to the electrical circuit and fixed in location with reference to the enclosure;

a connector printed circuit board electrically and mechanically coupled to the second end of the flexible cable; and

a movable connector having a mating end adapted to be connected to a mating connector, the movable connector mounted on the connector printed circuit board, such that the movable connector is electrically and mechanically coupled to the second end of the flexible cable, the movable connector slidably captured by the enclosure, such that the mating end of the movable connector is provided in the opening of the enclosure and is adapted for movement along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis.

2. The flexible connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector printed circuit board is adapted to rest on a support rail of the enclosure.

3. The flexible connector assembly of claim 2, further comprising:

a frame having an opening and connected to the connector printed circuit board, such that the mating end of the movable connector is provided through the opening of the frame.

4. The flexible connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the flexible cable comprises a ribbon cable.

5. A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load, the load control device comprising:

a load control printed circuit board;

a flexible cable having a first end electrically and mechanically coupled to the load control printed circuit board, the flexible cable further comprising a second end opposite the first end;

a connector printed circuit board electrically and mechanically coupled to the second end of the flexible cable; and

a connector mounted on the connector printed circuit board, such that the connector is electrically coupled to the second end of the flexible cable, and thus to the load control printed circuit board;

wherein the connector is adapted to move along a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis of the load control device to allow for alignment of the connector.

6. The load control device of claim 5, further comprising:

an enclosure attached to and surrounding the load control printed circuit board, the connector slidably captured by the enclosure.

7. The load control device of claim 6, wherein the connector printed circuit board is adapted to rest on a support rail of the enclosure.

8. The load control device of claim 7, further comprising:

a frame having an opening and connected to the connector printed circuit board, such that the connector is provided through the opening of the frame.

9. The load control device of claim 8, wherein the flexible cable comprises a ribbon cable.

10. The load control device of claim 5, further comprising:

a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the electrical load and the AC power source; and

a controller for controlling the controllably conductive device so as to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load;

wherein the controllably conductive device and the controller are mounted to the load control printed circuit board.

11. The load control device of claim 10, further comprising:

a user interface module adapted to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the connector and comprising an actuator operable to receive a user input, the controller responsive to the actuator when the user interface module is coupled to the connector;

wherein the connector is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis of the load control device to allow for alignment of the actuator of the user interface module.

12. The load control device of claim 11, further comprising:

a faceplate having an opening, the actuator of the user interface module adapted to be provided in the opening of the faceplate;

wherein the connector is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis of the load control device to align the actuator within the opening of the faceplate.

13. The load control device of claim 11, wherein the user interface module further comprises a visual display for displaying a representation of an amount of power being delivered to the electrical load, the controller operatively coupled to the visual display when the user interface module is coupled to the connector.

14. A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load, the load control device comprising:

a load control printed circuit board;

a flexible cable having a first end electrically and mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board;

a connector electrically and mechanically coupled to a second end of the flexible cable, such that the connector is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board;

a user interface module electrically and mechanically coupled to the connector and comprising an actuator operable to receive a user input; and

a faceplate having an opening, the actuator of the user interface module adapted to be provided in the opening of the faceplate;

wherein the connector is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis of the load control device to align the actuator within the opening of the faceplate.

15. The load control device of claim 14, further comprising:

a connector printed circuit board electrically and mechanically coupled to the second end of the flexible cable, the connector mounted on the connector printed circuit board, such that the connector is electrically and mechanically coupled to a second end of the flexible cable.

16. The load control device of claim 15, further comprising:

an enclosure attached to and surrounding the load control printed circuit board, the connector slidably captured by the enclosure;

wherein the connector printed circuit board is adapted to rest on a support rail of the enclosure.

17. The load control device of claim 16, further comprising:

a frame having an opening and connected to the connector printed circuit board, such that the user interface module is coupled to the connector through the opening of the frame.

18. The load control device of claim 14, further comprising:

a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between the electrical load and the AC power source; and

a controller for controlling the controllably conductive device so as to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electrical load;

wherein the controllably conductive device and the controller are mounted to the load control printed circuit board.

19. The load control device of claim 18, wherein the user interface module further comprises a visual display for displaying a representation of an amount of power being delivered to the electrical load, the controller operatively coupled to the visual display when the user interface module is coupled to the connector.