THERMOSTAT

Abstract

An thermostat 10 includes an improved user interface, including automatic scheduling, remote control, system failure warning messages, and Energy Star compliance messages. Diagnostics can be provided without additional communication links to the thermostat. A sub-base accepts multiple thermostats and uses color coded terminals to ease installation. Glow-in-the-dark features reduce power needs. In one embodiment, thermostats are coupled to AC power sources and communicate using wireless communications to control an HVAC system. A dampered system can be effected through a thermostat that communicates directly with zoned dampers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an improved thermostat;

FIGS. 2 a through 2b illustrate diagnostic warnings provided by the improved thermostat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an interface generated on an external monitor that interacts with a remote wireless or wired device;

FIGS. 4 a through 4b illustrate a thermostat system that allows various different thermostat models to use the same sub-base for ease of installation;

FIG. 5 illustrates a thermostat that turns on a scent dispenser when the fan terminal is energized;

FIGS. 6 a and 6b illustrate thermostats with glow-in-the-dark lettering and buttons;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart describing operation of a training mode for automatically generating schedules;

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a prior art configuration for controlling an HVAC system;

FIGS. 9 a and 9b illustrate a thermostat for receiving power through a power outlet;

FIGS. 10 a and 10b illustrate a thermostat for receiving power through a light switch;

FIGS. 11 a and 11b illustrate a sensor for receiving power through a power outlet;

FIG. 12 illustrates a first configuration for controlling a HVAC system using the devices of FIGS. 9-11 using a wireless receiver;

FIG. 13 illustrates a first configuration for controlling a HVAC system using the devices of FIGS. 9-11 using a wired thermostat;

FIG. 14 illustrates a prior art configuration of a dampered air conditioning system;

FIG. 15 illustrates a dampered air conditioning system without a zoning control panel;

FIG. 16 illustrates a thermostat that is running an approved “Energy Star” program or program event

FIG. 17 illustrates a thermostat being programmed that does not meet the energy star specification;

FIG. 18 illustrates a thermostat being programmed that is returned to a program which meets the energy star specification;

FIG. 19 illustrates a thermostat housing with a removable badge.

Claims

1. A thermostat comprising: processing circuitry;a housing for mounting on an AC power source;wireless communication circuitry for sending control signals from the processing circuitry to control an air conditioning unit.

2. The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the housing mounts on a light switch power connection.

3. The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the housing mounts on a power outlet.

4. The thermostat of claim 1 and further comprising a wireless receiver coupled to the air conditioning unit for receiving signals from the wireless communication circuitry and controlling the air conditioning unit responsive thereto.

5. The thermostat of claim 1 and further comprising a second thermostat wired to the air conditioning unit, said second thermostat having a wireless receiver to receiving signals from the wireless communication circuitry.

6. A thermostat system comprising: a sub-base for connection to a plurality of wires for connection to an air conditioning unit;a plurality of thermostats for connection to the sub-base, such that connection of a selected one of the thermostats to the sub-base will connect the selected thermostat to the wires.

7. The thermostat of claim 6 wherein the sub-base has a plurality of color-coded terminals.

8. The thermostat of claim 6 wherein the plurality of thermostats have different features.

9. The thermostat of claim 6 wherein at least some of said plurality of thermostats have processing circuitry for determining a type associated with the air conditioning unit and for configuring the selected thermostat according to the detected type.

10. The thermostat of claim 9 wherein said type can be either single-stage or multi-stage.

11. The thermostat of claim 9 wherein said type can be either gas or heat pump.

12. A damper control system comprising: a plurality of electronically controlled dampers;a plurality of thermostats, each for controlling temperature in a predetermined area, said plurality of thermostats including: a main thermostat for controlling the dampers; andone or more secondary thermostats in communication with the main thermostat.

13. The damper control system of claim 12 wherein said main thermostat wirelessly communicates with the dampers.

14. The damper control system of claim 12 wherein the secondary thermostats wirelessly communicate with the main thermostat.

15. The damper control system of claim 12 wherein the main thermostat controls an air conditioning unit.