GB2161853A - Glazing - Google Patents

Glazing Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2161853A
GB2161853A GB08417633A GB8417633A GB2161853A GB 2161853 A GB2161853 A GB 2161853A GB 08417633 A GB08417633 A GB 08417633A GB 8417633 A GB8417633 A GB 8417633A GB 2161853 A GB2161853 A GB 2161853A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
window
substance
window according
area
electrochromic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08417633A
Other versions
GB8417633D0 (en
Inventor
Adrian Atkinson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB08417633A priority Critical patent/GB2161853A/en
Publication of GB8417633D0 publication Critical patent/GB8417633D0/en
Publication of GB2161853A publication Critical patent/GB2161853A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J3/00—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles
    • B60J3/007—Sunglare reduction by coatings, interposed foils in laminar windows, or permanent screens
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
    • E06B3/67—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light
    • E06B3/6715—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light specially adapted for increased thermal insulation or for controlled passage of light
    • E06B3/6722—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light specially adapted for increased thermal insulation or for controlled passage of light with adjustable passage of light

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)
  • Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)

Abstract

A window can be made to appear light or dark at will by including photochromic or electrochromic substances or liquid crystals therein, and providing a manually controllable means of adjusting the condition of the substance or crystal.

Description

SPECIFICATION Windows The invention relates to windows for use in stationary installations e.g. buildings or in vehicles e.g. cars. In particular one object of the invention is to provide a window where, according to choice, the window may appear light or darkened.
According to one aspect of the invention, a window comprises a transparent substrate characterised in that the substrate incorporates at least one area wherein a photochromic or an electrochromic substance or a liquid crystal is present, and control means arranged to control the level of light transmission of the substance or crystal whereby to control the visible light transmission of that area.
The window area may contain one or more photochromic, electrochromic substance or liquid crystal.
A photochromic substance is a substantially colourless substance which is activated to undergo a colour change when subjected to an activating radiation and which colour change is reversed thermally in the dark or by irradiation at a different wavelength. Conveniently the colour change is induced by ultraviolet light radiation and reversed by radiation or heat. Where such a substance is present, the level of light transmission may be controlled by providing an ultraviolet light source and regulating the amount of ultraviolet light allowed to reach the substance. Most preferably this is done by directing the ultraviolet on to an edge of the window containing the window area.It will be realised that natural light will reach the window surface and this will affect the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the substance, and to allow for this a sensor or override switch may be included in circuit with ultraviolet light source. A photochromic substance may be dissolved in a plastics matrix included in the window area.
The electrochromic substance may be selected from the wide range of materials having this characteristic (which may be called electrochemichromicity). Suitable materials include solids or liquids, organic or inorganic, examples being silver salts, iridium oxide, tungsten oxide, hydrous nickel oxide, heptyl viologen bromide, lutetium dipthalo-cyanine.
Where an electrochromic substance which undergoes a colour change when in solution and subjected to an electrical potential is used, the window must be sealed so as to contain the solutions.
In one embodiment the window will contain optically transparent electrodes arranged so as to supply sufficient electrical potential. The level of potential is of the order of 1 volt or less. The electric power may be supplied to the electrochromic substance in any convenient way. In another embodiment, plastics sheets form one or both layers of a substrate and the plastics is itself electrically conductive so avoiding the need for a matrix of wires. In another embodiment a thin layer of metal solution is placed between two sheets of material comprising the electrochromic substance. Supply of the current will attract the metal to one of the layers to a greater or lesser extent, according to the level and direction of the current.
The control mechanism may comprise a variable resistor connected in circuit with the electrochromic substance and with a manually operable knob. The knob may be adjusted e.g. rotated, by hand so that an inhabitant of a room or a driver of a car can control the degree of light transparency of the window.
The liquid crystals are those of the type known for electrooptical display. These materials are classified as nematic, smetic and cholesteric, and all types are suitable. It is preferred to use liquid crystals of the type which are opaque at low temperatures and change to isotropic state and become transparent under the influence of heat. The heating is preferably electrically induced using e.g.
optically transparent electrodes or wires.
The window may be flat or curved, single or double, rigid or flexible.
The area may extend over the whole window or be confined to one or more locations.
Thus for example, one may wish to darken just the lower region of a window in the wall of an upper storey of a building, or the windows of the rear compartment of a taxi.
The area may be arranged to display a sign e.g. name plate, advertising slogan or the like and that it is illuminated say at night only.
The invention may be used for a variety of purposes e.g. to darken a room or vehicle for privacy, security, temperature control, advertising or the like.
1. A window comprising a transparent substrate and to appear light or darkened according to choice characterised in that the substrate incorporates at least one area wherein a photochromic or an electrochromic substance or a liquid crystal is present, and control means are arranged to control the level of light transmission of the substance or crystal whereby to control the visible light appearence of that area.
2. A window according to Claim 1 characterised in that the photochromic substance is one selected to undergo a colour change induced by ultraviolet light radiation and to be reversed by radiation or heat.
3. A window according to Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that level of light transmission is controlled by regulating the amount of ultraviolet light from a source thereof to reach the substance.
4. A window according to any preceding
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (19)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Windows The invention relates to windows for use in stationary installations e.g. buildings or in vehicles e.g. cars. In particular one object of the invention is to provide a window where, according to choice, the window may appear light or darkened. According to one aspect of the invention, a window comprises a transparent substrate characterised in that the substrate incorporates at least one area wherein a photochromic or an electrochromic substance or a liquid crystal is present, and control means arranged to control the level of light transmission of the substance or crystal whereby to control the visible light transmission of that area. The window area may contain one or more photochromic, electrochromic substance or liquid crystal. A photochromic substance is a substantially colourless substance which is activated to undergo a colour change when subjected to an activating radiation and which colour change is reversed thermally in the dark or by irradiation at a different wavelength. Conveniently the colour change is induced by ultraviolet light radiation and reversed by radiation or heat. Where such a substance is present, the level of light transmission may be controlled by providing an ultraviolet light source and regulating the amount of ultraviolet light allowed to reach the substance. Most preferably this is done by directing the ultraviolet on to an edge of the window containing the window area.It will be realised that natural light will reach the window surface and this will affect the amount of ultraviolet light reaching the substance, and to allow for this a sensor or override switch may be included in circuit with ultraviolet light source. A photochromic substance may be dissolved in a plastics matrix included in the window area. The electrochromic substance may be selected from the wide range of materials having this characteristic (which may be called electrochemichromicity). Suitable materials include solids or liquids, organic or inorganic, examples being silver salts, iridium oxide, tungsten oxide, hydrous nickel oxide, heptyl viologen bromide, lutetium dipthalo-cyanine. Where an electrochromic substance which undergoes a colour change when in solution and subjected to an electrical potential is used, the window must be sealed so as to contain the solutions. In one embodiment the window will contain optically transparent electrodes arranged so as to supply sufficient electrical potential. The level of potential is of the order of 1 volt or less. The electric power may be supplied to the electrochromic substance in any convenient way. In another embodiment, plastics sheets form one or both layers of a substrate and the plastics is itself electrically conductive so avoiding the need for a matrix of wires. In another embodiment a thin layer of metal solution is placed between two sheets of material comprising the electrochromic substance. Supply of the current will attract the metal to one of the layers to a greater or lesser extent, according to the level and direction of the current. The control mechanism may comprise a variable resistor connected in circuit with the electrochromic substance and with a manually operable knob. The knob may be adjusted e.g. rotated, by hand so that an inhabitant of a room or a driver of a car can control the degree of light transparency of the window. The liquid crystals are those of the type known for electrooptical display. These materials are classified as nematic, smetic and cholesteric, and all types are suitable. It is preferred to use liquid crystals of the type which are opaque at low temperatures and change to isotropic state and become transparent under the influence of heat. The heating is preferably electrically induced using e.g. optically transparent electrodes or wires. The window may be flat or curved, single or double, rigid or flexible. The area may extend over the whole window or be confined to one or more locations. Thus for example, one may wish to darken just the lower region of a window in the wall of an upper storey of a building, or the windows of the rear compartment of a taxi. The area may be arranged to display a sign e.g. name plate, advertising slogan or the like and that it is illuminated say at night only. The invention may be used for a variety of purposes e.g. to darken a room or vehicle for privacy, security, temperature control, advertising or the like. CLAIMS
1. A window comprising a transparent substrate and to appear light or darkened according to choice characterised in that the substrate incorporates at least one area wherein a photochromic or an electrochromic substance or a liquid crystal is present, and control means are arranged to control the level of light transmission of the substance or crystal whereby to control the visible light appearence of that area.
2. A window according to Claim 1 characterised in that the photochromic substance is one selected to undergo a colour change induced by ultraviolet light radiation and to be reversed by radiation or heat.
3. A window according to Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that level of light transmission is controlled by regulating the amount of ultraviolet light from a source thereof to reach the substance.
4. A window according to any preceding Claim characterised in that the ultraviolet radiation is directed from the source towards an edge of the window.
5. A window according to any preceding Claim characterised by a sensor or override switch included in circuit with the ultraviolet light source to allow for the amount of natural light falling on the window.
6. A window according to any preceding Claim characterised in that the photochromic substance is dissolved in a polymeric matrix included in the window.
7. A window according to Claim 1 characterised in that the electrochromic substance is a solid or liquid, organic, organometallic or inorganic substance.
8. A window according to claim 7 characterised in that the substance is a silver or like metal salt, irridium oxide, tungsten oxide, hydrous nickel oxide; an organic material based on N,N-disubstituted bipyridinium cations such as heptylviologen bromide; or a diphthalocyanine such as lutetium dipthalocyanine.
9. A window according to Claim 7 or 8 wherein the electrochromic substance is in solution and the window is sealed to contain the solution therein.
10. A window according to any of Claims 7 to 9 characterised in that optically transparent electrodes are present and arranged so as to supply sufficient electrical potential to actuate the electrochromic substance.
11. A window according to any of Claims 7 to 10 characterised in that polymeric sheets form one or both layers of a substrate and the polymer is itself electrically conductive.
12. A window according to any of Claims 7 to 10 characterised in that a thin layer of solution containing metal ions is placed between two sheets of material acting as anode and cathode so that the electrical current will attract the metal to one of the layers according to the level and direction of the current.
13. A window according to any of Claims 7 to 12 characterised in that a control mechanism comprises a variable resistor connected in circuit with the electrochromic substance and with a manually operated knob.
14. A window according to Claim 1 characterised in that the liquid crystals are nematic, smetic or cholesteric.
15. A window according to Claim 14 characterised in that the liquid crystals of the type which are opaque at low temperatures and change to isotropic state and become transparent under the influence of heat, which is preferably electrically induced.
16. A window according to any of Claims 1 to 15 characterised in that photo-voltaic cells are present in control circuits to ensure a constant level of illumination, optionally with an override by a manually controlled resistor.
17. A window according to any preceding Claim characterised in that is flat or curved, single or double, rigid or flexible.
18. A window according to any preceding Claim characterised in that it is incorporated in a fixed building or in a vehicle.
19. A window comprising a transparent substrate and to appear light or darkened according to choice, substantially as described.
GB08417633A 1984-07-11 1984-07-11 Glazing Withdrawn GB2161853A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08417633A GB2161853A (en) 1984-07-11 1984-07-11 Glazing

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08417633A GB2161853A (en) 1984-07-11 1984-07-11 Glazing

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8417633D0 GB8417633D0 (en) 1984-08-15
GB2161853A true GB2161853A (en) 1986-01-22

Family

ID=10563710

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08417633A Withdrawn GB2161853A (en) 1984-07-11 1984-07-11 Glazing

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2161853A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4848875A (en) * 1987-06-25 1989-07-18 Allied-Signal Inc. Dual-pane thermal window with liquid crystal shade
EP0629547A1 (en) * 1993-06-15 1994-12-21 DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Partition device
WO1997002731A2 (en) * 1996-06-29 1997-01-30 Paolo Wolters Flat elements for influencing visible electronic surfaces in window elements
US5608995A (en) * 1995-08-15 1997-03-11 Borden; Rex M. Solar-actuated fluid window shutter
GB2450474A (en) * 2007-06-07 2008-12-31 Vincent John Hinksman Glazing structure comprising liquid between two layers
CN105715157A (en) * 2016-03-31 2016-06-29 成都市千合门业有限公司 Photochromic soundproof window
EP3184335A1 (en) * 2015-11-24 2017-06-28 Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited Photochromic vehicle window

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1105515A (en) * 1964-03-09 1968-03-06 Polaroid Corp Improvements relating to light filtering devices
GB1333945A (en) * 1970-08-28 1973-10-17 Polaroid Corp Variable light-filtering device
US3961181A (en) * 1975-02-18 1976-06-01 Golden Eddie R Eye-shading means for automotive vehicle operators
US4268126A (en) * 1978-12-20 1981-05-19 Allied Chemical Corporation Thermal-pane window with liquid crystal shade
EP0086873A1 (en) * 1981-10-28 1983-08-31 SCHÜCO Heinz Schürmann GmbH & Co. Window or door pane comprising a darkening device
GB2116242A (en) * 1982-02-23 1983-09-21 Nigel Dennis Hall Glazing

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1105515A (en) * 1964-03-09 1968-03-06 Polaroid Corp Improvements relating to light filtering devices
GB1333945A (en) * 1970-08-28 1973-10-17 Polaroid Corp Variable light-filtering device
US3961181A (en) * 1975-02-18 1976-06-01 Golden Eddie R Eye-shading means for automotive vehicle operators
US4268126A (en) * 1978-12-20 1981-05-19 Allied Chemical Corporation Thermal-pane window with liquid crystal shade
EP0086873A1 (en) * 1981-10-28 1983-08-31 SCHÜCO Heinz Schürmann GmbH & Co. Window or door pane comprising a darkening device
GB2116242A (en) * 1982-02-23 1983-09-21 Nigel Dennis Hall Glazing

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4848875A (en) * 1987-06-25 1989-07-18 Allied-Signal Inc. Dual-pane thermal window with liquid crystal shade
EP0629547A1 (en) * 1993-06-15 1994-12-21 DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Partition device
US5608995A (en) * 1995-08-15 1997-03-11 Borden; Rex M. Solar-actuated fluid window shutter
WO1997002731A2 (en) * 1996-06-29 1997-01-30 Paolo Wolters Flat elements for influencing visible electronic surfaces in window elements
WO1997002731A3 (en) * 1996-06-29 1997-04-17 Paolo Wolters Flat elements for influencing visible electronic surfaces in window elements
GB2450474A (en) * 2007-06-07 2008-12-31 Vincent John Hinksman Glazing structure comprising liquid between two layers
EP3184335A1 (en) * 2015-11-24 2017-06-28 Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited Photochromic vehicle window
US9975408B2 (en) 2015-11-24 2018-05-22 Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited Photochromic vehicle window
CN105715157A (en) * 2016-03-31 2016-06-29 成都市千合门业有限公司 Photochromic soundproof window

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8417633D0 (en) 1984-08-15

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Legal Events

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)