Switch for multi-function control of a thermostat
First Claim
1. A thermostat including a microprocessor for controlling an HVAC system using multiple modes of operation, the thermostat comprising:
- a housing having a circuit board and a display screen;
the display screen having a first and second alpha-numeric icon;
a rocker switch mounted in the housing adjacent the display screen, the rocker switch providing the sole mechanical button of the thermostat used for standard operational functions of the thermostat, the rocker switch for signaling the microprocessor so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from a group of touch sensitive areas and the sole mechanical button provide for each adjustment required for the standard operational functions of the thermostat;
the rocker switch configured to adjust the first alpha-numeric icon in relation to a first mode of operation and the rocker switch configured to adjust the second alpha-numeric icon in relation to a second mode of operation; and
a navigation button for navigating between a first and second function.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC system having a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch pads having at least two displayable touch pads. A microprocessor provided for controlling the display screen. A sole mechanical button or switch is mounted in the housing and the button has a first end and second end and a touch surface extending between the first end and second end. The sole mechanical button signals the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon(s), so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch pads and sole mechanical button provide for each and every adjustment required for all of the operational functions of the controller. The mechanical button may be a rocker switch. The controller may also include a navigation button.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A thermostat including a microprocessor for controlling an HVAC system using multiple modes of operation, the thermostat comprising:
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a housing having a circuit board and a display screen;
the display screen having a first and second alpha-numeric icon;a rocker switch mounted in the housing adjacent the display screen, the rocker switch providing the sole mechanical button of the thermostat used for standard operational functions of the thermostat, the rocker switch for signaling the microprocessor so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from a group of touch sensitive areas and the sole mechanical button provide for each adjustment required for the standard operational functions of the thermostat; the rocker switch configured to adjust the first alpha-numeric icon in relation to a first mode of operation and the rocker switch configured to adjust the second alpha-numeric icon in relation to a second mode of operation; and a navigation button for navigating between a first and second function. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15)
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13. A controller for an HVAC system comprising:
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a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch sensitive areas comprising at least two displayable touch sensitive areas including a navigation button; a microprocessor for controlling the display screen; a sole mechanical button used for the standard operational functions of the controller, the sole mechanical button mounted in the housing and the button having a first end and second end; and the sole mechanical button for signaling the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon, so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch sensitive areas and sole mechanical button provide for every adjustment required for all of the standard operational functions of the controller. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A thermostat including a microprocessor for controlling an HVAC system using multiple modes of operation, the thermostat comprising:
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a housing having a circuit board and a display screen;
the display screen having a first and second alpha-numeric icon;a rocker switch mounted in the housing adjacent the display screen, the rocker switch having a bar having a first end and a second end, and the bar is pivotally mounted so that the bar may rock between a first position where the first end is depressed and a second position where the second end is depressed in order to activate at least a first and a second mode of operation of the thermostat; the display screen includes a first touch pad for selecting the first mode of operation, a second touch pad provided by display screen and at least one of the first touch pad or the second touch pad is activated to select the second mode of operation, and the rocker switch providing the sole mechanical button of the thermostat used in combination with the first or second touch pad for the functions including one of adjusting the temperature setting, time of day setting, day of week setting, programming set point time, installer setting configuration or user setting. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification