Control devices having independently suspended buttons for controlled actuation
US10181385B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2235/018
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control device includes a button assembly having one or more buttons and a button carrier that includes a plurality of resilient, independently deflectable spring arms. The control device may be configured as a wall-mounted keypad to control a load control device, or as a thermostat to control a temperature regulation appliance. The button carrier may be configured to prevent interference between the buttons during operation of the control device. The button assembly may be captured between a faceplate of the control device and a housing that is attached to a rear side of the faceplate. The control device may include one or more button retainers that are attached to the buttons and that are configured to align respective outer surfaces of the buttons relative to each other, and relative to the faceplate of the control device, when the buttons are in respective rest positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.