HVAC controller with proximity sensor
US10107515B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F2120/10
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An HVAC controller such as a thermostat may include a housing having an aperture formed within the housing and a proximity sensor that is disposed within the housing proximate the aperture. The proximity sensor may include a sense die that has a first IR detector and a second IR detector, and a lens element disposed in front of the sense die. The lens element may be shifted to one side to preferentially direct incident IR energy to the first IR detector at the expense of the second IR detector. An IR energy transparent element may be disposed in front of the lens element, and may include a portion that fits into and seals the aperture formed within the housing. A controller may be configured to receive an electrical signal from the proximity sensor indicating an approach of an individual towards the thermostat, and in response, wake-up a user interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.