JP2022105033A - Light transmissive panel with active part - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light transmissive panel.

SOLUTION: A light transmissive panel assembly comprises a first panel 1206, a second panel 1208, a gap 1214 between the first panel and the second panel, and a first active part 1232 arranged in the gap. The first active part has a controllable light transmission characteristic.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

Cross-reference of related applications This application was filed on October 12, 2017, and is entitled "Light Transmitting Panel with Active Components". Claim the profit of No. 62 / 571,470. This application was filed on May 18, 2018, and is entitled "Light Transmitting Panel with Active Components", US Patent Application No. 1. Claim the interests of No. 15 / 983,152. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

The present application generally relates to light transmissive panels.

Panels made of glass and some plastics can allow light to pass through and also allow heat and sound transfer.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a gap between the first panel, the second panel, the first panel and the second panel, and a first active component disposed within the gap (1). An active component) and a light transmissive panel assembly that includes. The first active component has controllable light transmission characteristics.

In some embodiments of the light transmissive panel assembly, the first active component is connected to the first panel by an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the light transmissive panel assembly comprises spacers that separate the first active component from the first panel and the first active component from the second panel. The spacer may include a support structure for suspending the first active component in the gap.

In some embodiments, the light transmissive panel assembly comprises a second active component placed in the gap, the second active component having controllable emission properties. The first active component may be adjacent to the first panel, the second active component may be adjacent to the second panel, and the first active component may be separated from the second panel. May be good. The first panel may have a first surface adjacent to the exterior space and a second surface, and the second panel may have a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the interior space. The first active component may be attached to the second surface of the first panel, and the second active component may be attached to the first surface of the second panel. You may.

In some embodiments, the first active component is variable between translucent and opaque states. In some embodiments, the first active component is variable between the translucent and reflective states.

In some embodiments, the second active component is an edge light type glass panel. The edge light type glass panel may include a lighting device. The edge light type glass panel is arranged between the first panel and the second panel, and can be provided with a spacer that separates the first panel from the second panel and defines a gap for illumination. The device is located outside the spacer. The edge light type glass panel can include a frame, the outer edge of the first panel extends outward with respect to the lighting device, and the outer edge of the first panel is supported by the frame.

In some embodiments of the light transmissive panel assembly, the first panel is a laminated structure and the second panel is a laminated structure. The first active component may be connected to the first panel by an adhesive, and the second active component may be connected to the second panel by an adhesive.

It is a perspective view which shows the assembly including the frame and panel assembly which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, including a first panel and a second panel of the panel assembly.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view showing the area shown in FIG. 2, including an example of connecting a first frame portion of a frame to a first panel and a second panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

It is a figure which shows the 1st exemplary structure of the 1st panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a second layer of a first exemplary structure for the first panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1, including variable light transmission.

It is a figure which shows the 2nd exemplary structure of the 1st panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

It is a figure which shows the 3rd exemplary structure of the 1st panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

It is a figure which shows the 1st exemplary structure of the 2nd panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

It is a figure which shows the 2nd exemplary structure of the 2nd panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

It is a figure which shows the 3rd exemplary structure of the 2nd panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

It is a figure which shows the 4th exemplary structure of the 2nd panel of the panel assembly of FIG.

It is a figure which shows the sectional view of the panel assembly by 2nd Embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the sectional view of the panel assembly by 3rd Embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the sectional view of the panel assembly by 4th Embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the sectional view of the panel assembly by 5th Embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the sectional view of the panel assembly by 6th Embodiment.

It is a block diagram of a lighting system.

It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a controller.

The disclosure herein is directed to light-transmitting panel assemblies such as windows that include transparent or translucent panels. The light transmissive panel assembly includes a first laminated panel structure and a second laminated panel structure separated by gaps, which may also be referred to as voids or spaces.

In some embodiments, the first laminated panel structure and the second laminated panel structure each include active and controllable components. As an example, the first laminated panel structure may incorporate a controllable variable light transmission device, and the second laminated panel structure may incorporate lighting. One or more other layers (eg, by stacking the active and controllable components on the first panel structure or the second panel structure so that the active and controllable components are protected from damage. , Clear glass or plastic layer) can be separated from the outside of the assembly.

In other embodiments, the active and controllable components are located in the gap between the first panel and the second panel, or adjacent to it, without including the components in the laminated structure. ing. This configuration protects the components from damage while avoiding stacking of the components as part of the first or second panel.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly 100 including a frame 102 and a panel assembly 104. The panel assembly 104 is supported by the frame 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly 104 is surrounded by a frame 102 such that the peripheral edge of the panel assembly 104 is connected to the panel assembly 104 and is supported by the panel assembly 104.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of assembly 100 along line 2-2 in FIG. The panel assembly 104 extends between the first frame portion 202a of the frame 102 and the second frame portion 202b of the frame 102. The panel assembly 104 includes a first panel 206 and a second panel 208. The first panel 206 is arranged adjacent to the first side 201a of the assembly 100, and the second panel 208 is arranged adjacent to the second side 201b of the assembly 100. In a typical embodiment, the exterior space is located on the first side 201a of the assembly 100 and the interior space is located on the second side 201b of the assembly 100. The internal space may be, for example, the interior of a building or the cabin of a vehicle.

As further described herein, the active component has a first panel 206 and a first panel 206 to control the transmission of light from the first side 201a of the assembly 100 to the second side 201b of the assembly 100. 2 is included in panel 208. In particular, the first panel 206 has a variable light transmission characteristic, and the second panel 208 has a variable light emission characteristic. As an example, the first panel 206 provides a variable light transmission technique for varying the amount of ambient light (eg, sunlight) passing from the first side 201a of the assembly 100 to the second side 201b of the assembly 100. The second panel 208 may incorporate a lighting device that provides lighting in the space on the second side 201b of the assembly 100. Variable light transmission may also include switchable mirrors that change the state between transparency and reflection. The active component can be controlled to provide the desired light intensity and quality of illumination by mixing artificial and natural light. As an example, more light can be directed into the internal space by aligning the switchable mirror layer or component outward from the light emitting device. As an embodiment, by aligning the variable tonal layer or component outward from the light emitting device, less synchrotron radiation is directed to the exterior space. As an example, by aligning the variable tonal layer or component outward from the light emitting device, ambient light can be blocked, allowing control of light intensity and characteristics within the internal space.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing the area shown in FIG. 2, including an example of connecting the first frame portion 202a of the frame 102 to the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 of the panel assembly 104. The first frame portion 202a of the frame 102 includes a connection structure that engages the edges of the first panel 206 and the second panel 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 310 is formed on the side surface of the first frame portion 202a and extends inward. The sealing structure 312 is provided in the channel 310. The sealing structure 312 supports the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 with respect to the first frame portion 202a. The sealing structure 312 can prevent the passage of air and liquid, and can also buffer the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 against the first frame portion 202a of the frame 102. ..

The first panel 206 and the second panel 208 are supported so that the lower surface of the first panel 206 is separated from the upper surface of the second panel 208. As an example, the frame 102 including the first frame portion 202a and the sealing structure 312 can be configured to maintain the desired spacing between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208. Therefore, the frame 102 functions as a support structure that supports the first panel 206 with respect to the second panel 208, and the sealing structure 312 is between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208. Acts as a spacer defining the gap 314. The gap 314 is a space in which the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 are separated. The gap 314 can eliminate contact between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 and reduce heat and sound transfer between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208. In some embodiments, the gap 314 is evacuated. In some embodiments, the gap 314 is filled with a gas such as argon or another noble gas, or a mixture of gases such as air. In some embodiments, the gap 314 may be filled with a liquid or gel that may have a refractive index consistent with the first panel 206 and / or the second panel 208. In addition to the frame 102, a spacer may be included adjacent to the frame to support the first panel 206 with respect to the second panel 208 and to define the gap 314.

For example, a separate channel may be formed within the frame 102 and / or the encapsulation structure 312 to separate the first panel 206 from the second panel 208. The spacing between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 defines the gap 314 between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208. As an example, the width of each of the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 can be 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm, and the gap 314 can have a width of 2.0 mm to 12.0 mm. In one embodiment, the gap 314 has a nominal width of 4.0 mm subject to manufacturing deviations and deflections resulting from self-weight and / or external forces acting on the first panel 206 and second panel 208. In some embodiments, the width of the gap 314 is narrower than the width of the first panel 206, and the width of the gap 314 is narrower than the width of the second panel 208. In some embodiments, the width of the gap 314 is narrower than the width of at least one of the first panel 206 or the second panel 208. In some embodiments, the width of the gap 314 is narrower than the combined width of the first panel 206 and the second panel 208.

In some embodiments, the sealing structure 312 defines an airtight seal in the gap 314 to prevent outside air from entering the gap 314. In embodiments where the gap 314 is sealed to the outside air, the gap 314 may be filled with atmospheric pressure air, or the control atmosphere may be defined within the gap 314. In one embodiment, the gap 314 is substantially evacuated and the pressure in the gap 314 is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure. In other embodiments, a gas or gas mixture other than ambient air, such as substantially pure nitrogen, may be present in the gap 314. The gas or gas mixture present in the gap 314 may be selected to enhance the noise and adiabatic properties resulting from the gap 314.

The assembly 100 can be configured so that there is no intervening structure between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 at a position inside the frame 102. In such an embodiment, the gap 314 is continuous and uninterrupted at all positions inside the frame 102. In another embodiment, a transparent spacer is placed between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 at a position inside the frame 102. As an example, the spacer can be a layer of transparent material with a limited longitudinal and lateral range. As another example, the spacer may be elongated laterally or longitudinally. As another example, spacers can include elongated lateral and elongated longitudinal portions that intersect each other in the grid. In such an embodiment, the gap 314 may be provided around the spacer and between the spacers and divided into unconnected portions.

The first panel 206 is connected to the first electrical connection unit 316. The first electrical connection 316 is connected to a power supply and / or controller to provide power and / or control signals to one or more active components incorporated in the first panel 206.

The light source 318 is supported by a first frame portion 202a adjacent to the edge of the second panel 208. The light source 318 can extend along all or part of the periphery of the second panel 208. As described herein, the light source 318, in combination with the structure of the second panel 208, controls light to be carried through the second panel 208 and as further described herein. An edge lighting assembly that directs light into a second panel 208 so that it is emitted in the same manner. The light source 318 is connected to the second electrical connection unit 320. The second electrical connection 320 is connected to a power supply and / or controller, allowing activation and deactivation of the light source 318 to control the intensity of the light source 318 and / or control the color of the light source 318. do. In embodiments where other active components are included within the second panel 208, other electrical connections may be provided to the second panel 208.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first exemplary structure of the first panel 206. The first panel 206 is a laminated panel formed from a transparent or translucent layer, or, as will be described later, a laminated panel that can be transparent or translucent under the control of an active component. In this embodiment, the first panel 206 has a first layer 422, a first intermediate layer 423, a second layer 424, a second intermediate layer 425, and a third, in order from top to bottom. It contains layers 426, which are joined together in a laminating process involving, for example, heat and pressure application.

The first layer 422 and the third layer 426 are transparent layers. The first layer 422 and the third layer 426 may be free of active components. As an example, the first layer 422 and the third layer 426 may be formed from silicate glass such as soda-lime glass. As another example, the first layer 422 and the third layer 426 may be formed of a transparent or translucent polymer, or a transparent or translucent polycarbonate.

The second layer 424 incorporates variable light transmission technology. The second layer 424 can be controlled by the control signal provided to the second layer 424 using the first electrical connection 316 to change the light transmittance through the first panel 206. For example, the degree of light transmitted through the first panel 206 can be controlled by the voltage of the control signal sent to the second layer 424 by the first electrical connection 316. The first electrical connection portion 316 may incorporate a transparent electrode such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode so that the variable light transmission characteristics of the second layer 424 can be controlled.

The control signal can cause the second layer 424 to change the current light transmittance characteristic, and the second layer 424 responds to the control signal from the first light transmittance value to the second light transmittance. It is changed to a state with a value. Techniques that can be used to mount the second layer 424 include suspension particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PLDC) devices, guest host liquid crystal (GHLC) devices, and switchable mirror devices. Be done. Some of these techniques are implemented in the form of films, in such embodiments where the second layer 424 comprises a variable light transmissive film on a transparent structure such as glass or polycarbonate. As an example, the second layer 424 can include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film, which is a voltage controllable film containing liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer material. The PDLC film becomes transparent when a voltage above the threshold is applied by the first electrical connection 316 and changes between transparent and opaque in response to a voltage value below the threshold. As another example, the second layer 424 may be a switchable mirror layer, or a switchable mirror film capable of varying the state between a transparent or translucent state and a reflective state. It may be included. As an example, the change in state can be induced by applying or stopping the application of voltage to at least a portion of the second layer 424. As an example, the second layer 424 can incorporate a transition metal hydride electrochromic device having a reflective hydride that changes the state between transparent or translucent and reflective when a voltage is applied. Other techniques can be used to mount switchable mirrors within the second layer 424.

The first layer 422 is joined to the second layer 424 by the first intermediate layer 423, and the second layer 424 is joined to the third layer 426 by the second intermediate layer 425. The first intermediate layer 423 and the second intermediate layer 425 may be a transparent adhesive layer that adheres adjacent panels together. Materials that can be used as the first intermediate layer 423 and the second intermediate layer 425 include polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Other suitable materials for the first intermediate layer 423 and the second intermediate layer 425 include thermosetting EVA, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and polyester (PE).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second layer 424 of the first exemplary structure for the first panel 206 of FIG. 4, including variable light transmission. In the illustrated embodiment, the second layer 424 comprises a translucent or transparent material such as glass or plastic, 524a. A variable light transmissive film 524b and an electrode layer 524c are provided on one of the upper surface (shown) or the lower surface of the transparent material 524a. The variable light transmission film 524b may be a PDLC film as described above. The electrode layer 524c contains or is formed of a material capable of conducting electricity to change the variable light transmission characteristics of the variable light transmission film 524b. The electrode layer 524c may include a transparent electrode such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second exemplary structure of the first panel 206. The first panel 206 is a laminated panel formed from a transparent or translucent layer, or, as will be described later, a laminated panel that can be transparent or translucent under the control of an active component. In this embodiment, the first panel 206 has a first layer 622, a first intermediate layer 623, a second layer 624, a second intermediate layer 625, and a third, in order from top to bottom. Layer 626 is included and joined together in a laminating process involving, for example, heat and pressure application.

The first layer 622 and the second layer 624 are transparent layers of glass or plastic (eg, polycarbonate), as described for the first layer 422 and the third layer 426 in FIG. The third layer 626 is an active layer having variable light transmission characteristics as described with respect to the second layer 424 in FIG. The third layer 626 can be controlled by a control signal given to the third layer 626 using the first electrical connection 316 to change the light transmittance through the first panel 206. The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 4 in that the layer including the active component is the outer layer of the laminated structure.

The first layer 622 is joined to the second layer 624 by the first intermediate layer 623, and the second layer 624 is joined to the third layer 626 by the second intermediate layer 625. The first intermediate layer 623 and the second intermediate layer 625 are as described for the first intermediate layer 423 and the second intermediate layer 425.

In addition to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, other configurations of transparent panels incorporating variable light transmission, including laminated and non-laminated panels, are utilized in the first panel 206. Can be done.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third exemplary structure of the first panel 206. In this example, the first panel 206 is a non-laminated panel that is transparent or translucent, or can be transparent or translucent under the control of an active component. The first panel 206 includes a first layer that is connected to the first electrical connection 316 and is controlled by the first electrical connection 316.

The first layer 722 is an active layer having variable light transmission characteristics as described with respect to the second layer 424 in FIG. The first layer 722 can be controlled by a control signal given to the first layer 722 using the first electrical connection 316 to change the light transmittance through the first panel 206. The embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 4 in that the layer comprising the active component is not part of a laminated structure comprising multiple translucent or transparent layers of glass and / or plastic.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first exemplary structure of the second panel 208. The second panel 208 is a laminated panel formed from a transparent or translucent layer. In this embodiment, the second panel 208 has a first layer 822, a first intermediate layer 823, a second layer 824, a second intermediate layer 825, and a third, in order from top to bottom. It contains layers 826, which are joined together in a laminating process involving, for example, heat and pressure application.

The first layer 822 and the third layer 826 are transparent layers of glass or plastic (eg, polycarbonate), as described for the first layer 422 and the third layer 426 in FIG. The second layer 824 is an active layer that emits light.

The first layer 822 is joined to the second layer 824 by the first intermediate layer 823, and the second layer 824 is joined to the third layer 826 by the second intermediate layer 825. The first intermediate layer 823 and the second intermediate layer 825 are as described with respect to the first intermediate layer 423 and the second intermediate layer 425.

The second layer 824 is an edge light type layer (for example, a light guide plate) that receives light from the edge of the second panel 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 318 illuminates the edge of the second layer 824 of the second panel. As an example, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED) or an optical fiber propagating light from a remotely located LED or laser. The other layers of the second panel 208 may be covered by mask 819 at their edges so that the light emitted by the light source 318 does not enter them. The light emitted by the light source 318 is the second layer 824 as a result of the different refractive index of the second layer 824 as compared to adjacent layers such as the first intermediate layer 823 and the second intermediate layer 825. It is carried out through. Features such as edges, grooves, etchings, surface patterning, or particles are formed within the second layer 824 or provided within the second layer 824 to allow light to be second in the desired manner. Can be directed from layer 824 to the third layer 826.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second exemplary structure of the second panel 208. The second panel 208 is a laminated panel formed from a transparent or translucent layer. In this embodiment, the second panel 208 has a first layer 922, a first intermediate layer 923, a second layer 924, a second intermediate layer 925, and a third, in order from top to bottom. It contains layers 926, which are joined together in a laminating process involving, for example, heat and pressure application.

The first layer 922 and the second layer 924 are transparent layers of glass or plastic (eg, polycarbonate), as described for the first layer 822 and the third layer 826 in FIG. The third layer 926 is an active layer that emits light.

The first layer 922 is joined to the second layer 924 by the first intermediate layer 923, and the second layer 924 is joined to the third layer 926 by the second intermediate layer 925. The first intermediate layer 923 and the second intermediate layer 925 are as described with respect to the first intermediate layer 823 and the second intermediate layer 825 in FIG.

The second layer 924 is an edge light type layer that receives light from the edge of the second panel 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 318, which may be a light emitting diode (LED), illuminates the edge of the second layer 924 of the second panel. The other layers of the second panel 208 may be covered by mask 919 at their edges so that the light emitted by the light source 318 does not enter them. The third layer 926 is similar to the second layer 824 of FIG. 8 and may be configured and mounted in the same manner. The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the layer including the active component is an outer layer of the laminated structure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third exemplary structure of the second panel 208. In this example, the second panel 208 is a transparent or translucent non-laminated panel. The second panel 208 includes a first layer 1022 connected to and controlled by the first electrical connection 316.

The first layer 1022 is an active layer that emits light, as described for the second layer 824 in FIG. The first layer 1022 is an edge light type layer that receives light from the edge of the second panel 208 such as the light source 318, and the mask 1019 covers the light source 318, and the light emitted from the light source is the first layer. It prevents entry into other structures other than through the edges of one layer 1022 or the first layer 1022. The embodiment of FIG. 10 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the layer comprising the active component is not part of a laminated structure comprising multiple translucent or transparent layers of glass and / or plastic.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth exemplary structure of the second panel 208. The second panel 208 is a laminated panel formed from a transparent or translucent layer. In this embodiment, the second panel 208 has a first layer 1122, a first intermediate layer 1123, a second layer 1124, and a second intermediate layer 1125, in order from top to bottom. It includes a third layer 1126, a third intermediate layer 1127, a fourth layer 1128, a fourth intermediate layer 1129, and a fifth layer 1130, which, for example, apply heat and pressure. Joined together in a laminating process that includes.

The first layer 1122 and the fifth layer 1130 are transparent layers of glass or plastic (eg, polycarbonate), as described for the first layer 822 and the third layer 826 in FIG. The second layer 1124, the third layer 1126, and the fourth layer 1128 are active layers having controllable properties that affect light transmission and / or light emission.

The second layer 1124 is a switchable mirror layer capable of varying the state between a transparent or translucent state and a reflective state. As an example, changes in state can be induced by applying or stopping the application of voltage to at least a portion of the second layer 1124. As an example, the second layer 1124 can incorporate a transition metal hydride electrochromic device having a reflective hydride that changes the state between transparent or translucent and reflective when a voltage is applied. Other techniques can be used to mount switchable mirrors within the second layer 1124.

The third layer 1126 is an active layer that emits light. As an example, the second layer may be a transparent light guide layer, an edge light type layer, a transparent or translucent OLED display device, or a transparent or translucent micro LED device.

The first layer 1122 is joined to the second layer 1124 by the first intermediate layer 1123, the second layer 1124 is joined to the third layer 1126 by the second intermediate layer 1125, and the third layer 1126 is The third intermediate layer 1127 joins the fourth layer 1128, and the fourth layer 1128 is joined to the fifth layer 1130 by the fourth intermediate layer 1129. The first intermediate layer 1123, the second intermediate layer 1125, the third intermediate layer 1127, and the fourth intermediate layer 1129 are as described with respect to the first intermediate layer 823 and the second intermediate layer 825 in FIG. Is.

It should be appreciated that the details of the various embodiments herein can be combined in various ways. For example, the panel assembly 104 uses any of the examples of the first panel 206 (eg, as in FIGS. 8-11) in combination with any of the examples of the second panel 208 (eg, as in FIGS. 8-11). It can be carried out (as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7). A further example of a controllable light emitting panel structure that can be used as the second panel 208 is US Patent Application No. 15/366, filed December 1, 2015, entitled "Transient Structure with Controllable Lighting". , 686, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the panel assembly 1204 according to an alternative embodiment. The panel assembly 1204 is similar to the panel assembly 104 except as described herein. For example, panel assembly 1204 can be incorporated into assembly 100, including connections to frame 102, in the manner described for panel assembly 104.

The panel assembly 1204 includes a first panel 1206, a second panel 1208, a spacer 1212, a gap 1214, a first active component 1232, and a second active component 1234. The first panel 1206 is located adjacent to the first side 1201a of the panel assembly 1204, and the second panel 1208 is located adjacent to the second side 1201b of the panel assembly 1204. In a typical embodiment, the exterior space is located on the first side 1201a and the interior space is located on the second side 1201b.

The first panel 1206 and the second panel 1208 may each contain a single layer of glass or plastic, or a laminate containing, for example, multiple layers joined together in a lamination process involving the application of heat and pressure. It may be a structure.

The spacer 1212 separates the first panel 1206 from the second panel 1208 to define the gap 1214 and is located on the outer circumference of the panel assembly 1204 or on the inner side of the outer circumference of the panel assembly 1204. There may be. The gap 1214 may be in vacuum or may be filled with a gas or gas mixture. The spacer 1212 may be configured to function as a sealing structure that seals the space inside the gap 1214 from the outside of the panel assembly 1204.

The first active component 1232 and the second active component 1234 are arranged in the gap 1214. The first electrical connector 1233 for the first active component 1232 and the second electrical connector 1235 for the second active component 1234 extend out of the panel assembly 1204 to connect to the controller or other system. You may. The first active component 1232 and the second active component 1234 each have controllable properties. The first active component 1232 and the second active component 1234 may be, for example, variable light transmission devices or lighting devices, respectively. Examples of variable light transmissive devices include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest-hosted liquid crystal devices. Examples of variable lighting devices include edge light type panels (eg, light guide plates), LED panels, micro LED panels, and display panels (eg, translucent OLED panels).

The first active component 1232 is mounted on the lower surface (facing the gap 1214 of the first panel 1206). As an example, the first active component 1232 may be connected to the first panel 1206 by a conventional adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The first active component 1232 is not part of the laminated structure of the first panel 1206. In an embodiment in which the first panel 1206 is laminated, a stacking process is performed (eg, including the application of heat and pressure to bond the plurality of layers using an intermediate layer) and the first active component 1232. Is then attached to the first panel 1206.

The second active component 1234 is attached to the top surface of the second panel 1208 facing the gap 1214. As an example, the second active component 1234 may be connected to the second panel 1208 by a conventional adhesive. The second active component 1234 is not part of the laminated structure of the second panel 1208. In an embodiment in which the second panel 1208 is laminated, a stacking process is performed (eg, including the application of heat and pressure to bond the plurality of layers using an intermediate layer) and the second active component 1234. Is then attached to the first panel 1206.

The example shown in FIG. 12 includes both the first active component 1232 and the second active component 1234, whereas the panel assembly 1204 is of the first active component 1232 or the second active component 1234. It should be understood that only one can be included and the other can be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the panel assembly 1304 according to an alternative embodiment. The panel assembly 1304 is similar to the panel assembly 104 except as described herein. For example, the panel assembly 1304 can be incorporated into the assembly 100, including the connection to the frame 102, in the manner described for the panel assembly 104.

The panel assembly 1304 includes a first panel 1306, a second panel 1308, a spacer 1312, a gap 1314, and a first active component 1332. The first panel 1306 is disposed adjacent to the first side 1301a of the panel assembly 1304, and the second panel 1308 is disposed adjacent to the second side 1301b of the panel assembly 1304. In a typical embodiment, the exterior space is located on the first side 1301a and the interior space is located on the second side 1301b.

The first panel 1306 and the second panel 1308 may each contain a single layer of glass or plastic, or a laminate containing, for example, multiple layers joined together in a lamination process involving the application of heat and pressure. It may be a structure.

The spacer 1312 separates the first panel 1306 from the second panel 1308 to define the gap 1314 and is located on the outer periphery of the panel assembly 1304 or on the inner side of the outer periphery of the panel assembly 1304. There is. The gap 1314 may be in vacuum or may be filled with a gas or gas mixture. The spacer 1312 may be configured to function as a sealing structure that seals the space inside the gap 1314 from the outside of the panel assembly 1304.

The first active component 1332 is arranged in the gap 1314. The first electrical connector 1333 for the first active component 1332 may extend out of the panel assembly 1304 to connect to a controller or other system. The first active component 1332 has controllable properties. The first active component 1332 may be, for example, a variable light transmission device or a lighting device. Examples of variable light transmissive devices include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest-hosted liquid crystal devices. Examples of variable lighting devices include edge light type panels (eg, light guide plates), LED panels, micro LED panels, and display panels (eg, translucent OLED panels).

The first active component 1332 is mounted within the gap 1314 between the first panel 1306 and the second panel 1308. The first active component 1332 may be separated from the first panel 1306 and the second panel 1308. In the illustrated example, the spacer 1312 includes a support structure such as a groove 1313 that engages with the first active component 1332 and suspends it in the gap 1314. Alternatively, other support structures and / or spacers may be used to suspend the first active component 1332 within the gap 1314.

The example shown in FIG. 13 includes a first active component 1332 and other active components are not shown, but an additional active component (eg, a second active component) is provided in the gap 1314 as well. Please understand that it can be supported by.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the panel assembly 1404 according to an alternative embodiment. The panel assembly 1404 is similar to the panel assembly 1304 except as described herein. The panel assembly 1404 is a first panel 1406, a second panel 1408, a spacer 1412, a gap 1414, a lighting device 1418, and an edge light type panel (eg, a light guide plate) in the illustrated embodiment. 1 includes an active component 1432 and a first electrical connector 1433 for the first active component 1432. The first panel 1406 is disposed adjacent to the first side 1401a of the panel assembly 1404, and the second panel 1408 is disposed adjacent to the second side 1401b of the panel assembly 1404. In a typical embodiment, the exterior space is located on the first side 1401a and the interior space is located on the second side 1401b.

The spacer 1412 separates the first panel 1406 from the second panel 1408 to define a gap 1414 and is located on the outer circumference of the panel assembly 1404 or on the inner side of the outer circumference of the panel assembly 1404. There is. The first active component 1432 extends through or between spacers 1412 such that the first active component 1432 is suspended between the first panel 1406 and the second panel 1408. .. A lighting device 1418, such as an LED or a remote lighting fiber optic, is located outside the spacer 1412. The outer edge of the first active component 1432 may be located outside the outer edge of the first panel 1406 and / or the second panel 1408 and thus outside the gap 1414.

In an alternative embodiment, the first active component 1432 is adjacent to one of the first panel 1406 or the second panel 1408 (eg, fitted with adhesive) and has a spacer 1412. The gap 1414 may be defined by being located on the opposite side of the active component 1432 of 1.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the frame 1502 and the panel assembly 1504 according to an alternative embodiment. The panel assembly 1504 is similar to the panel assembly 1304 except as described herein. The panel assembly 1504 includes a first panel 1506, a spacer 1512 for the second panel 1508, a gap 1514, a lighting device 1518, and a first active component 1532 (eg, an edge light type panel (eg, in the illustrated example). , Light guide plate)), a first electrical connector 1533, a second active component such as a variable light transmissive device 1534, and a second electrical connector 1535. The first panel 1506 is disposed adjacent to the first side 1501a of the panel assembly 1504, and the second panel 1508 is disposed adjacent to the second side 1501b of the panel assembly 1504. In a typical embodiment, the exterior space is located on the first side 1501a and the interior space is located on the second side 1501b.

The spacer 1512 separates the first panel 1506 from the second panel 1508 to define a gap 1514 and is located on or inside one of the first panel 1506 or the second panel 1508. May be located in. The first active component 1532 extends beyond the spacer 1512 and is located between the spacer 1512 and the second panel 1508 in the illustrated example. The lighting device 1518, such as an LED or a remote lighting fiber optic, may be located outside the spacer 1512 and thus outside the gap 1514. The second active component 1534 is attached to the underside of the first panel 1506 (eg, by adhesive). The second active component 1534 is connected to a second electrical connector 1535 extending beyond the spacer 1512, even if a bus bar mounted on or formed on the underside of the first panel 1506 is incorporated. good.

The outer edge of the first panel 1506 extends outward from the second panel 1508 and the first active component 1532. At its outer edge, the first panel 1506 is supported by the frame 1502, such as by the first shoulder 1503a, and engages the first shoulder 1503a via the lateral seal 1536a and / or the vertical seal 1536b. can do. The outer edge of the second panel 1508 may be located inward with respect to the second panel 1508 and the first active component 1532 and is supported by the second shoulder portion 1503b and the vertical encapsulation portion 1536c of the frame 1502. It may have been. In some embodiments, the second shoulder 1503b is omitted and the panel assembly 1504 is suspended from the first shoulder 1503a.

The lighting device 1518 can be provided under the first shoulder portion 1503a and the second shoulder portion 1503b in the open area defined between the frame 1502 and the panel assembly 1504. Encapsulation material (not shown) may be provided on the outer circumference of the panel assembly 1504.

Alternatively, the first active component 1532 comes into contact with the lower surface of the first panel 1506 or the upper surface of the second panel 1508 (eg, bonded by an adhesive) to define the gap 1514 with the spacer 1512. May be located on the opposite side of the first active component 1532.

In FIG. 15B, the panel assembly 1504 is supported alone or primarily by the frame 1502 omitting the second shoulder 1503b and instead using the first shoulder 1503a to support the first panel 1506. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a frame 1502 and a panel assembly 1504 according to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a lighting system 1640. The lighting system 1640 can include a controller 1642, a user interface device 1644, a lighting device 1646, and a variable light transmission device 1648. The controller 1642 coordinates the operation of various components of the lighting system 1640 by electronically communicating (ie, wired or wireless) with the user interface device 1644, the lighting device 1646 and the variable light transmission device 1648. The controller 1642 can receive information (eg, signals and / or data) from the user interface device 1644 and / or from other components of the lighting system 1640. The lighting system 1640 is used in connection with the components of the assembly 100 and can include the components of the assembly 100.

The user interface device 1644 allows the user to change the mode of operation of the lighting system 1640 and set the desired state in the lighting system 1640. The user interface device 1644 makes it possible to change the operating parameters of the lighting device 1646 and the variable light transmission device 1648.

The lighting device 1646 may be an electrical lighting device that can be controlled by the controller 1642. For example, the controller can output a signal to turn on, off, change the intensity, or change the color of the lighting device 1646.

The variable light transmission device 1648 utilizes variable light transmission technology for light transmission through a structure that enables light transmission such as a glass panel. The variable light transmission device 1648 can be operated by a control signal such as a signal from the controller 1642. The control signal causes the variable light transmission device 1648 to have the current light transmission characteristics, for example, a second light transmission value different from the first light transmission value from the first light transmission value, or light transmission. It can be changed from the state to the light reflection (mirror) state. Techniques that can be used to implement the variable light transmissive device 1648 include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest-hosted liquid crystal devices.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a hardware configuration of controller 1750 that can be used to implement the controller 1642 and / or other parts of the lighting system 1640. The controller 1750 can include a processor 1752, a memory 1754, a storage device 1756, one or more input devices 1758, and one or more output devices 1760. These components may be interconnected by hardware such as bus 1762 that allows communication between the components. The processor 175 may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit and can operate to execute computer program instructions and perform the operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory 1754 may be a volatile high-speed short-term information storage device such as a random access memory module. The storage device 1756 may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid state drive. The input device 1758 can include any kind of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, touch screen input devices, gesture input devices, or audio input devices (eg, microphones). The output device 1760 can include any type of device that can operate to provide the user with indications of the operating state, such as a display screen or audio output.

Claims (15)

The first panel and
The second panel and
The gap between the first panel and the second panel,
A light transmissive panel assembly comprising a first active component disposed within the gap, the first active component having controllable light transmissive properties. The light-transmitting panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first active component is connected to the first panel by an adhesive. The light transmissive panel assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a spacer that separates the first active component from the first panel and the first active component from the second panel. The light-transmitting panel assembly according to claim 3, wherein the spacer comprises a support structure for suspending the first active component in the gap. The light transmissive panel assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second active component arranged in the gap, the second active component having controllable emission characteristics. The first active component is adjacent to the first panel, the second active component is adjacent to the second panel, and the first active component is separated from the second panel. The light transmissive panel assembly according to claim 5. The first panel has a first surface adjacent to the exterior space and a second surface.
The second panel has a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the internal space.
The first active component is attached to the second surface of the first panel.
The light-transmitting panel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second active component is attached to the first surface of the second panel. The light transmissive panel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first active component is variable between a translucent state and an opaque state. The light transmissive panel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first active component is variable between a translucent state and a reflective state. The light transmissive panel assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the second active component is an edge light type glass panel. The light-transmitting panel assembly according to claim 10, wherein the edge light type glass panel includes a lighting device. Further comprising a spacer which is disposed between the first panel and the second panel and which separates the first panel from the second panel to define the gap, the illuminating device is said to be said. 11. The light-transmitting panel assembly of claim 11, which is located outside the spacer. 12. The light of claim 12, further comprising a frame, wherein the outer edge of the first panel extends outward with respect to the lighting device, and the outer edge of the first panel is supported by the frame. Transparent panel assembly. The first panel has a laminated structure and has a laminated structure.
The light transmissive panel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second panel has a laminated structure. The first active component is connected to the first panel by an adhesive.
The light-transmitting panel assembly according to claim 14, wherein the second active component is connected to the second panel by an adhesive.

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