DE212020000838U1 - Mirror with switchable privacy screen - Google Patents

Abstract

Electrically switchable reflective device (1) comprising:
- a mirror (2), in particular a plane mirror, with a reflecting surface (3), and
- a planar switchable element (4), wherein the switchable element can be changed at least partially in its transparency and/or translucency in relation to the penetrating electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range, and wherein the switchable element (4) is on the side of the reflecting surface (3) of the mirror (2) is arranged.

Description

The invention relates to an electrically switchable, reflective device and a system comprising such a device and its use.

It is known to use intelligent glasses or intelligent films glued to a substrate as a partition, wall surface or door, e.g. in offices, in private homes, hotels, hospitals, in wellness facilities, restaurants, train stations, at airports, on facades, as insulating glass, as a projection surface for to use rear projection systems in the office area. Here, the possibility is used of switching the glass or film from opaque to transparent or from transparent to opaque and back, usually by applying a voltage, and enriches construction with glass with fascinating aesthetic and technical qualities. Depending on requirements, a glass partition wall can appear open or as a visual room divider.

The immediate change of state within seconds or even milliseconds during the switching process from transparent to translucent or opaque or from opaque or translucent to transparent is of great interest. By switching (e.g. by operating a standard light switch or wirelessly via radio remote control), the glass or film is supplied with electricity and the intelligent glasses or intelligent films change their light transmission and/or translucency (turbidity/haze).

Switchable foils and switchable glasses constructed therewith are known and commercially available, e.g. the glass offered under the brand name "Priva-Lite™". According to the manufacturer, this is an active laminated glass made from two glasses with a liquid crystal film (LC film) inserted between the EVA or PVB foils. This LC film consists of two PET films with an electrically conductive coating, which are connected to one another via a liquid crystal gel. Initially, the crystals are in a disordered state and the glass is opaque. By applying an electrical voltage of 100/65VAC, the liquid crystals arrange themselves in one direction and the opaque film immediately becomes transparent.

The aim of the present invention is to develop a device of the type mentioned at the outset and a system of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that this device and this system can be manufactured and installed in a simple and cost-effective manner on the one hand and, on the other hand, they can be used to achieve remarkable effects in terms of privacy protection , while at the same time a high degree of flexibility is made possible by many individual design options.

• Eine elektrisch schaltbare reflexionsfähige Vorrichtung gebildet aus
  • - einem Spiegel, insbesondere einen Planspiegel, mit einer spiegelnden Fläche, und
  • - einem flächigen schaltbaren Element,

wobei das schaltbare Element in seiner Transparenz und/oder Transluzenz gegenüber der durchdringenden elektromagnetischen Strahlung zumindest teilweise im sichtbaren Spektralbereich änderbar ist, und wobei das schaltbare Element auf der Seite der spiegelnden Fläche des Spiegels angeordnet ist.The essence of the invention consists of the following:

• An electrically switchable reflective device formed from
  • - A mirror, in particular a plane mirror, with a reflecting surface, and
  • - a flat switchable element,

wherein the switchable element can be changed at least partially in its transparency and/or translucency with respect to the penetrating electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range, and wherein the switchable element is arranged on the side of the reflecting surface of the mirror.

The invention also relates to the use of a planar switchable element for modulating the mirror function, ie reflection of the incoming light. The modulation takes place by changing the transparency and/or translucency of the planar switchable element, with the reflecting surface having an area of at least 0.04 m ² and being used preferably in rooms. The use in airplanes, ships and vehicles (e.g. mobile homes or caravans), but only in the decorative and not in the technical area, is also conceivable, whereby all uses are excluded that are necessary for driving the ship and vehicle or flying the airplane, such as dimmable rear-view mirrors.

The planar switchable element preferably has a size of at least approximately 0.04 m ² and the invention is used primarily in the architectural field, preferably in the field of interior design.

The device can advantageously influence and regulate the light transmission to the reflecting surface and the reflected light back from the mirror. The reflecting surface, especially the mirror, becomes visible or invisible.

The invention has the advantage that, depending on requirements, the reflection of the reflecting surface is reflected back into the room or that it is suppressed—at least partially in terms of intensity and/or in the wavelength range.

The term "reflecting surface" is understood to mean the surface of a mirror that reflects the incoming light. The reflecting layer, for example made of silver or a silver alloy, can form this reflecting surface.

If the mirror has a transparent body (eg made of glass or plastic), then the reflective layer can also be applied in such a way that the reflection is guided through the glass or plastic body of the mirror. In this case the reflecting surface can also be the glass or plastic surface on the opposite side of the reflecting layer and through which the light is reflected. The mirror can therefore have different structures and also have a sandwich construction.

The switchable element can be present separately from the mirror as a separate element or can be attached directly to or on the reflecting surface, in particular the mirror surface. In the latter case the switchable element may be attached to or on the reflective layer or on the glass or plastic surface on the opposite side of the reflective layer and through which the light is reflected.

The effect of reversibly making the reflecting surface visible or concealing it can be achieved by stepwise or continuous modulation of the light transmittance (transmission) and/or the opacity of the switchable element.

The variable transmission characteristic of the switchable element, e.g. of electrochromic glasses, influences the electromagnetic radiation, which is at least partially in the visible spectral range. The visible spectral range is in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.

The degree of turbidity (haze), also known as transparency or translucency, can preferably be changed steplessly over the entire visible spectral range or only in one or more specific range(s) of the visible spectral range.

In particular, the switchable element can be reversibly changed from a transparent state to an at least partially opaque or translucent (cloudy) state and vice versa. In the cloudy state, the switchable element reaches its maximum cloudiness. In the opaque state, the switchable element reaches its maximum opacity.

Common switchable glasses, such as those offered under the brand name Priva-Lite™, achieve a light transmission (transparency) of approx. 77% when switched on and in the range of 77% to 50% when switched off. The turbidity (haze) is approx. 6% when switched on, also called residual turbidity, and up to 99% when switched off.

Common electrochromic glasses that can be continuously tinted, e.g. those sold under the brand name SageGlass Harmony™, have a light transmission in the range from 1% to 54%.

The transmittance (according to EN 410 ) and/or the haze level (according to ASTM D1003) of the switchable element are selected according to the intended application.

If electrochromic glasses (EC glasses) are used as switchable elements, the degree of transmission usually decides whether the reflecting surface is made visible or hidden. It should be noted that light transmission can, but does not have to, correlate with the degree of turbidity.

Electrochromic glasses make use of the property of electrochromic materials, which change their transparency depending on an electrical voltage (direct current) applied to them. With the application of a low voltage of z. B. three volts, depending on the materials used in the glass, a color change of the switchable glass is achieved.

A film or coating in the center of the lenses creates the electrochromic effect. When electrical charges are donated to a thin coating, for example made of materials such as tungsten trioxide or polyaniline, this layer becomes optically active and changes color. If the applied voltage is removed or its polarity changed, the switchable glass becomes clear again and is therefore transparent.

This principle is used in the SageGlass. The layers of the transparent conductor enclose the electrochromic layer, the ion conductor and the counter-electrode like a sandwich. If a low positive voltage (less than 5 V DC) is applied, a redox reaction occurs in the electrochromic layer and the area darkens.

In liquid crystal glass (LC glass) or polymer-dispersed liquid crystal glass (PDLC glass), a layer of liquid crystals is present in conductive foils between glass (composite) panes. With a constant supply of electricity, the crystals arrange themselves and the discs are transparent. If the power supply is interrupted, the crystal order breaks down and the disc becomes cloudy.

The planar switchable element can also have any color or color design, as long as its function described here is still given. Those skilled in the art can easily find out which colors are still suitable in relation to the desired application.

In the case of colored or colored switchable elements, the color and design can also be created by the special electrochromic layer, while the color and design of LC or PDLC glasses are created by using colored or treated (composite) glass panes. Depending on the application, the person skilled in the art can select the switchable element to be used. The decisive factor is whether the reflecting surface should lose its function completely or partially because the visible element is set to be opaque or cloudy, or whether the reflecting surface should only appear colored or tinted. The latter is mainly caused by setting the permitted transmission.

Advantageously according to the invention, the switchable element is opaque or cloudy in the de-energized (switched off) state. The turbidity can reach values of up to 100%. When switched on, i.e. when voltage is applied, the turbidity is eliminated except for any residual turbidity caused by technical factors.

In one glass, applying a voltage can cause transport from the electrolyte into the active layer, causing the electrochromic glass to turn dark, while in another type of glass the voltage-free state is opaque and/or cloudy and the liquid crystals align when switched on in such a way that the turbidity (except for the residual turbidity caused by technical factors) disappears. In the case of LC or PDLC glass, there is usually a nematic liquid between two panes of glass in which, when an electrical voltage is applied, its molecules align in the direction of the plane of the layer, as a result of which the currentless opacity of the glass disappears.

Advantageously usable switchable elements, the turbidity of which can be changed, have high transparency when switched on, e.g. in the range from 60% to 100%, and the same high or lower transparency when switched off, e.g. in the range from 40% to 100%. At the same time, they have a haze of less than 10% when switched on and up to 99% when switched off. Preferred switchable elements with these properties are the glasses from the Priva-Lite™ series from Saint Gobain with the values described.

Switchable elements that can preferably be used according to the invention are those that have as little or no residual haze as possible, i.e. haze values of less than 6%.

Advantageous switchable elements that do not achieve the function according to the invention via turbidity but rather selective transmission usually have transmission values of up to 90%. Preferred switchable elements with these properties are the glasses of the Sageglass Harmony™ series from Saint Gobain with the values described.

A switchable element can also be used which has a variable absorption spectrum, i.e. the absorbed or transparent wavelength range can be varied. At the same time or alternatively, its color intensity (variation of the transmittance of a specific spectral range) can also be varied.

The percentage values given here in connection with transmittance and haze can have a standard deviation of up to +/- 5%.

In the transparent or unclouded state (whereby a residual cloudiness may be present), the reflection properties of the mirror are used, while in the opaque or clouded state the visible electromagnetic radiation cannot reach the mirror and therefore there is no reflection and thus no mirroring.

The mirror function can thus be adjusted (modulated) as required, as a result of which the device can be used particularly flexibly. It is conceivable to use the device as a wall cladding or panel in a sports facility that is set up as a reflecting surface during ballet lessons or other courses. At other events (e.g. basketball game) the reflecting surface is no longer visible. The wall can also be used as a projection surface or appear in the club colors. The device thus provides a hitherto new functionality in interior design with reflective surfaces, and its appearance is fully adaptable to the needs of users of such spaces.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the switchable element is provided with at least two electrodes which can each be connected to one pole of a power source. By applying an electrical voltage between the electrodes, the device is transparent or opaque to the (the switchable element) penetrating elec romagnetic radiation at least partially changeable in the visible spectral range.

This embodiment is advantageous in order to be able to control the permeability and/or opacity of the switchable element of the electromagnetic radiation. Depending on the switchable element, the intensity of the transmission or turbidity or the absorbed wavelength can also be adjusted via these electrodes. The control can be wired or wireless. Voice control is also possible.

In another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the switchable element extends along the reflecting surface and the distance between the reflecting surface and the switchable element is 20 cm or less, 15 cm or less, or 10 cm or less, preferably 5 cm or less , especially 2 cm or less, especially 1 cm or less. In a special embodiment, the distance between the reflecting surface and the switchable element is at least 10 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the switchable element can be arranged on the reflecting surface, in which case there is no distance between the reflecting surface and the switchable element.

In particular, the extent of the switchable element at its infinitesimal position runs parallel to the reflecting surface on which the corresponding infinitesimal point is arranged.

If the mirror is a curved mirror, the switchable element can run along the curvature of the reflecting surface and itself have a curvature which corresponds to the curvature of the reflecting surface.

Because the switchable element runs parallel to the mirror, it can be ensured that the advantages of the variable handling of the mirror function are optimally guaranteed even with a curved mirror.

If the mirror is a curved mirror, the switchable element can alternatively form a flat surface. The switchable element can then preferably be arranged parallel to the extension of the curved mirror in its entirety.

If the mirror is a plane mirror, the surface of the switchable element also forms a plane surface, which is arranged parallel to the mirror.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the switchable element is an intelligent mineral glass or intelligent plastic glass or a switchable intelligent foil or switchable intelligent coating.

In the case of a smart foil, the switchable smart foil is located in particular on the surface of the reflective surface (directly on the reflective layer or on the glass or plastic body). In this case, the intelligent film can be designed in particular as an adhesive film which is attached directly to the reflecting surface.

However, the foil can also be attached to a separate glass or plastic body and the body thus obtained can be combined with the mirror, at a distance or without a distance.

The distance to the mirror enables a particularly adaptable device, which can be ideally adapted to the requirements or to the local conditions. It is conceivable that the reflecting surface and the switchable element are fitted at a distance of more than 10 cm. If the reflective surface is e.g. wall cladding, the switchable element can be flexibly placed in front of the reflective surface, e.g. with the help of a rail system. The distance between the reflecting surface and the switchable element is then adapted to the specific structural design.

Furthermore, a switchable intelligent coating can, for example, be applied directly to the reflecting surface (directly to the reflecting layer or to the glass or plastic body). This coating can be applied by sputtering, for example. Other methods are also suitable for obtaining a coating.

However, the coating can also be applied to a separate glass or plastic body and the body thus obtained can be combined with the mirror, at a distance or without a distance.

Coatings or foils that are applied to the mirror have the advantage that they are particularly space-saving, allow for simple handling during assembly (fewer components) and cause little distortion of the reflection.

In particular, the switchable element can alternatively be an electrochromic glass or a liquid crystal glass.

In these embodiments, too, the electrochromic glass or the liquid crystal glass can be present in the device with or without a spacing from the mirror. Also, the surface of the mirror can act as one of the two panes of glass (mineral or plastic).

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the size or the area of the switchable element is up to 50% larger or smaller than the dimensions of the mirror or the reflecting surface.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the switchable element is an intelligent foil or an intelligent coating, and the mirror is provided with the intelligent foil or the intelligent coating on the side of the reflecting surface.

A conductive layer can be present as an electrode between the reflecting surface and the foil or the coating on the side facing them. The conductive layer can be formed, for example, from a vapor-deposited metal layer or with a metal oxide layer.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device comprises a switchable element, in particular intelligent glass or liquid crystal glass, which is separate from the mirror.

In particular, in this case the distance between the reflecting surface and the switchable element is at least 1 mm, in particular at least 3 mm, very particularly at least 5 mm.

The invention is also based on a system which comprises an electrically switchable, reflective device according to the invention and at least one further element selected from the frame, lighting, control unit, in particular for the switchable element, power supply unit, control connections for controlling the switchable element and lighting connections for the power supply the lighting.

For example, the frame can be formed by a wooden or metal rail (e.g. made of aluminum or steel). The frame has the advantage of protecting the switchable element and the mirror from dirt that could otherwise get into the gap (e.g. dust or other deposits, including flies or mosquitoes). In addition, other elements such as control unit, power supply unit, connections, cables, etc. can be accommodated in the frame. Furthermore, the frame can assume the function of the spacer between the mirror and the switchable element if the mirror and the switchable element are spatially separated from one another.

The device can also be designed without a frame. If a distance is desired between the mirror and the switchable element, spacers, e.g. in the form of stainless steel pins, can hold the switchable element at the individually desired distance from the mirror. This embodiment is particularly advantageous with regard to hiding mirror surfaces in interior spaces such as meeting rooms or dance halls, since a frame construction would provide unnecessary, undesirable weight in these areas of application.

Both in the embodiment with a frame and in the frameless embodiment, a base can be attached to the back of the mirror (on the side facing away from the reflecting side), which can be used, for example, both for fastening the device and for accommodating the other elements such as Control unit, power pack, connections, cables etc. can be used.

If lighting is present, this lighting can preferably be controlled separately from the switchable element, so that the light can be used independently of the mirror function (e.g. in a hotel room or bedroom).

In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system comprises a frame and lighting, and the lighting is arranged in or on the frame in such a way that the lighting radiates away from the mirror surface. Alternatively, the lighting can be arranged in the space between the mirror and the switchable element.

However, the illumination can also be located in the reflective area of the device, for example it can be glued on. Here, too, the lighting is arranged in such a way that the lighting radiates away from the mirror surface. The device can include a frame or be designed without a frame.

In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, the lighting works on the basis of LED technology, either as a plurality of separate lighting elements, in particular designed as lighting islands, or as one or more LED strips or a combination of both types of lighting.

This technology enables economical and particularly simple control of the light. Here, especially in the private sphere, atmospheric Illuminations take place. In particular, the use of RGB technology (e.g. RGB LED light strip) allows the light color to be adjusted as desired. Alternatively, the color temperature can be set using LED technology.

The invention is also based on the use of the device according to the invention and the system according to the invention as a mirror with privacy protection.

The device according to the invention particularly advantageously enables privacy protection of a mirror to be switched on demand. This mirror with privacy screen is particularly economical to manufacture and easy to design. The assembly of this mirror with privacy screen is easy and can be designed in all conceivable shapes of the mirror.

As can be gathered from the preceding description, the present invention can be used for various applications in offices, in private houses, hotels, hospitals, in wellness facilities, restaurants, train stations, at airports, in facades, or as a projection surface for rear-projection systems. As a result, the present invention opens up a wide range of possible uses and uses, such as in the cosmetics industry (hairdressing mirrors that allow the hairdresser to do his job without critical looks), in the beauty sector (flexible switching on of the mirror, e.g. after facial surgery), and the multiple use of rooms (e.g. dance rooms), which - without the mirrors - can be expanded, as well as hotel or meeting rooms, which can also be used for fitness events or similar.

The variants and features mentioned and described here can also be implemented in combination of two or more variants or features with one another and these combinations are also covered by the present invention, provided such combinations are not mutually inconsistent.

character list

• Darin zeigt 1 eine Vorderansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Leuchten.
• 2 zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Rahmen und Leuchten im Rahmen.
• 3 zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Rahmen und einem LED-Lichterband im Rahmen.
• 4 zeigt eine Explosionsansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Spiegel und einem intelligenten Glas.
• 5 zeigt eine Querschnittsansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Spiegel und einem vom Spiegel räumlich getrennten intelligenten Glas.
• 6 zeigt eine Querschnittsansicht eines alternativen Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Spiegel und einer Folie, welche sich auf der spiegelnden Fläche befindet.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing.

• In it shows 1 a front view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention with lights.
• 2 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a frame and lights in the frame.
• 3 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a frame and an LED light band in the frame.
• 4 Figure 12 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention with a mirror and a smart glass.
• 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention with a mirror and a smart glass spatially separated from the mirror.
• 6 Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention with a mirror and a foil, which is located on the reflecting surface.

The following stipulation applies to the entire further description: If reference numbers are contained in a figure for the purpose of clarity in the drawing, but are not explained in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their mention in the preceding figure descriptions.

Example:

In 1 is an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, which has been combined with a frame 7 . In the top corner of 1 a section through the frame and through the smart glass is indicated by an imaginary dividing line, so that the parts located in the frame 7 and behind the smart glass 4 are shown. A mirror 2 has a reflective surface 3 on which side the intelligent element 4 is placed. In addition, both the control unit 9 and the power pack 10 are arranged in the frame 7 in this embodiment. However, these can also be accommodated outside the frame, for example in a flush-mounted device box. The frame 7 also has lighting 8 , which in this embodiment is LED spots and is integrated in the frame 7 .

The control unit 9 takes over the control of the intelligent glass 4 for switching from opaque or a translucent (cloudy) glass to transparent at the push of a button. This can affect the whole smart glass or just a part, depending on the preset. The actuating switch can be located in the immediate vicinity of the mirror, or in the vicinity of a seating area or a bed from which the privacy screen is to be activated. The actuating switch can be electrically coupled to the control unit 9 or can be remotely controlled by other means such as radio, infrared waves, ultrasonic waves, Bluetooth or the like. In addition, the control unit 9 can also take over the control of the lighting. However, a further, separate control unit can also be used for the lighting. This control unit can be controlled, for example, via an application on the smartphone. With such an application, for example, you can also set color intensity, color selection and transparency.

The power pack 10 can be used for the control unit and/or for the lighting. For the purpose of power supply, two separate power packs can also be used, which are optimally adapted to the corresponding use.

In this embodiment, the mirror with privacy screen can either be attached to a frame as a surface-mounted version on the wall or on the ceiling, or used as a flush-mounted version in the wall or in the ceiling.

The structure of the embodiment in 2 differs in that the control unit and the power pack are located outside the frame structure and therefore control connections 11 for controlling the intelligent element and lighting connections 12 for the power supply of the lighting are present in the frame 7 respectively. In addition, in this embodiment, the frame is designed as a surface-mounted version. In this embodiment, LED spots 8 are arranged in the frame 7 and form islands of illumination.

In 3 an embodiment is shown which differs from 2 differs in that an LED light strip was used for the lighting 8, which is integrated in the frame 7. The LED strip of lights can also be attached to the frame 8, for example glued to the frame 8.

4 shows an exploded view of a general structure of the device according to the invention. The intelligent element 4 , which is provided with two electrodes 5 and 6 , is located on the reflecting side 3 of the mirror 2 . The intelligent element 4 can be an intelligent glass or an intelligent foil or an intelligent coating.

5 shows a side view of an embodiment in which the reflecting surface 3 of the mirror 2 is spatially separated from the switchable element 4 . In this case there is a gap between the reflecting surface 3 and the switchable element 4 and the switchable element 4 is not in direct contact with the mirror 2.

In 6 an alternative embodiment is shown, in which the switchable element 4 is, for example, a film which is glued to the mirror 2.

In the embodiment which comprises an electrochromic switchable element, the structure of the switchable element contains at least one layer with electrochromic substances, which is formed so that it can be influenced by electromagnetic radiation with a change in absorption and/or reflection capacity. For this purpose, the invention makes use of what is known as electrochromism, the property of a material to change its spectral optical behavior—and thus its transparency—reversibly by applying an external potential. Electrochromism has already been demonstrated in a large number of organic and inorganic substances. In the field of inorganic substances, for example, the oxides and hydroxides of the transition metals of group 8 (platinum group) show this behavior, or for example the highest oxidation states of the transition metals W, Mo, V, Nb and Ti.

The external potential can be conducted to the electrochromic material via the two electrodes 5 and 6, for example. Furthermore, the potential can be produced, for example, by an external magnetic field.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the switchable element comprises a translucent element that can be connected to a power source. In particular, for example, LC, PDCL or EC glasses should be mentioned here. When a voltage is applied to the element formed of EC glass, a viewer sees the mirror darken due to the reaction of the transparency-changing electrochromic active element. When a voltage is applied to the element formed of LC or PDCL glass, a viewer sees the reflecting surface due to the liquid crystals aligning.

Reference List

1

Electrically switchable reflective device

2

Mirror

3

reflecting surface

4

flat switchable element

5, 6

electrodes

7

Frame

8th

lighting

9

control unit

10

power adapter

11

Control connections for controlling the switchable element

12

Lighting connectors for powering the lighting

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Non-patent Literature Cited

• DIN EN 410 [0020]

Claims (9)

Electrically switchable reflective device (1) comprising: - a mirror (2), in particular a plane mirror, with a reflecting surface (3), and - a planar switchable element (4), wherein the switchable element can be changed at least partially in its transparency and/or translucency in relation to the penetrating electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range, and wherein the switchable element (4) is on the side of the reflecting surface (3) of the mirror (2) is arranged. Device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the extent of the switchable element (4) runs along the reflecting surface (3) and the distance between the reflecting surface (3) and the switchable element (4) is 0.20 m or less, in particular 0.15 m or less, most particularly is 0.10 m or less. Device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the extent of the switchable element (4) runs along the reflecting surface (3) and the distance between the reflecting surface (3) and the switchable element (4) is 0.05 m or less, in particular 0.02 m or less, most particularly is 0.01 m or less. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switchable element (4) is an intelligent mineral glass or intelligent plastic glass, in particular an electrochromic glass or a liquid crystal glass or a switchable intelligent foil or switchable intelligent coating. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mirror (2) is provided with the smart foil or the smart coating on the reflecting surface (3) side. System comprising a device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 until 5 , and at least one further element selected from frame (7), lighting (8), control unit (9), in particular for the switchable element (4), power pack (10), control connections (11) for controlling the switchable element (4) and Lighting connections (12) for the power supply of the lighting (8). system according to claim 6 , wherein the system comprises a frame (7) and lighting (8) and the lighting (8) is arranged in the frame (7) such that the lighting (8) of the mirror surface (3) radiates away, or in the space between Mirror (2) and switchable element (4) is arranged. system according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the lighting (8) works on the basis of LED technology, either as a plurality of separate lighting elements, in particular as light islands is formed or as one or more LED strips or a combination of both types of lighting. Use of a device according to any one of Claims 1 until 5 or a system according to one of the Claims 6 until 8th as a mirror with switchable privacy screen.

Images