HK1216767B - Louver assembly and method of deploying adjustable light re-directing louvers - Google Patents

Description

Louver assembly and method for configuring adjustable light redirecting louvers

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/050,018, filed on September 12, 2014, and application No. US62/049,941 (filed on September 12, 2014) and application No. US62/164,834 (filed on May 21, 2015), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to window coverings and, more particularly, to louver assemblies for covering windows and associated glazing or fenestrations, and more particularly to louver assemblies and methods of configuring adjustable light redirecting louvers.

Background Art

The louver assembly is designed to allow the louvers to rotate in parallel to allow light in or block light, thereby limiting visibility from the inside or outside, that is, providing privacy. Blocking light may be desirable when it disturbs the occupants, or undesirable when it heats the room.

However, the blind assembly is typically rotated manually and relies on the occupant's knowledge to determine and act when an adjustment is desired.

U.S. Patent No. 4,773,733 (Murphy et al., September 27, 1988) discloses a louver assembly with an automated mechanism for rotating louvers to block direct sunlight. The louver elements are configured with a prismatic structure to reflect light back out of the window through total internal reflection. Such louvers distort the external image, so that external visibility is achieved through the spaces between the louvers. Therefore, the louvers are intended to operate in a generally horizontal orientation and rotate only to capture and reflect direct sunlight back outward. In other words, with respect to sunlight, they act like metal reflectors, but allow diffuse external light (i.e., indirect sunlight emitted from objects) to enter the room. However, this diffuse light is disrupted by the prismatic structure, which distorts the appearance seen by room occupants. In response to detection of the sun's altitude, the louvers are adjusted from the generally horizontal orientation by a motor drive, which is controlled by a photodetector positioned on the louvers proximate to the louver support head element.

While it may be desirable to reflect direct sunlight outward to disturb building occupants, it may be more desirable to redirect this sunlight inward but upward toward the ceiling in the building to minimize the need for interior lighting during the day.

It would be an advancement to provide an improved means of adjusting louvers for light redirection and better controlling privacy and the utilization or exclusion of sunlight or other external light sources.

The above and other objects, effects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Summary of the Invention

In view of this, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a louver assembly and a configuration method of an adjustable light redirection louver, which solves the problem in the prior art that sunlight, light and heat cannot be controlled to enter the room according to user needs.

In the present invention, the first object is achieved by providing a louver assembly, which includes an array of substantially parallel louvers, which are tiltable or rotatable, a device for determining the direction of the sun, an actuator, and a head for supporting the array of louvers, the head including the above-mentioned actuator to tilt the above-mentioned substantially parallel louvers, wherein the actuator is capable of operating to tilt the louvers from a negative tilt angle to vertical and from vertical to a positive tilt angle, wherein the total rotation is the sum of the absolute values of the positive tilt angle and the negative tilt angle.

Another aspect of the present invention is a louver assembly wherein the louvers are used for light redirection and are rotated to redirect sunlight into an interior space.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly wherein the louver has see-through visibility when viewed in a direction normal to the surface.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly that includes one or more photovoltaic cells that power the actuator.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly wherein each louver is fixedly supported in a proximate central space and wherein the actuator is operable to rotate the louver about the fixedly supported position via a vertically movable positioning rod.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly wherein each louver is supported at opposite ends by support clamps engaged with: a vertically suspended fixed support rod,

A positioning rod is disposed behind the fixed support rod, wherein the positioning rod engages a portion of the louver slats different from the fixed support rod, such that the weight of the louver slats in the array is supported by the vertically suspended fixed support rod, and vertical movement of the positioning rod causes the louver slats to rotate.

Another aspect of the present invention is any such louver assembly wherein the actuator configures the wedge gear to raise or lower the positioning rod.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly wherein one or more louvers have blackened edges.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly wherein one or more louvers in the array are positioned at a predetermined angle from parallel.

Another aspect of the invention is any louver assembly wherein one or more louvers in the array are arranged at a predetermined offset angle set by support clamps attached to opposing ends of the louvers.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for configuring adjustable light redirecting louvers, the method comprising the steps of providing a louver assembly, the louver assembly comprising an array of substantially parallel louvers that are tiltable or rotatable, a device for determining the direction of the sun, an actuator, a head for supporting the array of louvers, the head comprising an actuator to tilt the substantially parallel louvers, wherein the actuator is operable to tilt the louvers; and an additional step of determining whether the sunlight is direct or diffuse, and adjusting the position of the louvers in response to the determination of the second step, wherein the determining step further comprises determining the altitude of the sun when the sunlight is direct.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of configuring an adjustable light redirecting shutter, wherein in a second step the output of a photovoltaic cell is configured.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for configuring adjustable light redirecting louvers, the method comprising the steps of providing a louver assembly, the louver assembly comprising an array of substantially parallel louvers that are tiltable or rotatable, a device for determining the direction of the sun, an actuator, a head for supporting the array of louvers, the head comprising an actuator to tilt the substantially parallel louvers, wherein the actuator is operable to tilt the louvers; determining the altitude of the sun; and adjusting the position of the louvers in response to the determination of a second step, thereby adjusting the position of light redirected by the louvers toward an interior space of a building.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of configuring an adjustable light redirecting louver, wherein in the second step the output of a photovoltaic cell is configured.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of configuring an adjustable light redirecting louver wherein an actuator is operable to tilt the louver from a negative tilt angle to vertical and from vertical to a positive tilt angle.

Another aspect of the present invention is any such louver assembly wherein the actuator further includes a battery for storing energy from the photovoltaic cell, causing the louver to not rotate when the charge of the battery is below a predetermined level, maintaining sufficient energy therein to fully operate the louver assembly in the absence of a wired power source.

Another aspect of the invention is any louver assembly wherein the means for determining the direction of the sun is a reflector disposed on an upper louver in the array, wherein the upper louver is tilted to maintain an image of the sun's disk on the detector array supported by the head.

Another aspect of the present invention is any such louver assembly wherein the means for determining the direction of the sun is a computing device configured with at least the date, time, and compass direction and position of the louver array.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly wherein a plurality of louvers are supported at opposite ends by support fixtures, and wherein the array is assembled by connecting the support fixtures of the louvers in a stacking direction.

Another aspect of the present invention is any louver assembly wherein at least one rod suspended from the header connects the support clamps of the stacked louvers.

According to the above specific embodiments, the beneficial effects or features of the louver assembly and the method for configuring adjustable light redirection louvers are as follows: the entry of sunlight, light and heat into the room can be better controlled, and the state of the louver can be automatically adjusted according to the time of day and season, climate, and user's living privacy needs.

The above and other objects, effects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1A to 1C are installation diagrams of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when the sun is at different altitude angles.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention installed in front of an exterior glazing.

3 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of light-collimating louvers arranged in front of photovoltaic (PV) cells acting as sun detectors.

4 is a schematic perspective view of a more preferred embodiment of the present invention showing optical system components in place of those generally shown in the block diagrams of FIGs. 2 and 3 .

5A-5C are schematic perspective views of the louver board in the embodiment of FIG. 4 from three alternative directions.

FIG. 6A is an outside elevational view of a drive device connected to the louver slats of FIG. 4 to FIG. 5C , and FIG. 6B is a partial perspective view thereof.

7A is a perspective view of a separate louver support end clamp, and FIG. 7B is a top plan view showing a portion of the connected louvers.

Figure 8A is a side perspective view of the louver panel conjugate support clamp attached to the conjugate support hanger tilted backward, while Figure 8B is a side perspective view of the clamp tilted relative to the front. Figure 8C is a front elevation view of the conjugate support clamp, and Figure 8D is a side elevation view thereof in a vertical orientation supporting the louver panel.

9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a louver support end clamp.

10 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of an end clamp.

FIG. 11 is a partially unassembled exploded front view of the head module and the optical sensor device before insertion into the head housing.

FIG12 is an exploded perspective view of the head module showing the placement of the actuator PCB and rechargeable battery therein.

13 is another exploded perspective view of the end of the head module showing the connection of the drive assembly to the louver slat positioning support fixture.

14 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative method of using the louver assembly and system.

FIG15 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an actuator including optional sun tracking system electronics and electromechanical components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1A-15 , wherein like reference numerals represent like components throughout the various views, there is shown a new and improved window louver control system, generally designated 100 .

According to the present invention, a window louver control system 100 includes a tiltable or rotatable group of louvers 110 supported by a head 120. The head 120 includes a device 130 for measuring or determining the direction of the sun, which may be via a computing device, a meter, or a through-hole optical device, and a sensor device 140 in the head 120. The head 120 also houses an actuator 500. A drive device 510 is provided in the head 120 to tilt or rotate the louvers 600 in response to the determination of the direction of the sun or the detection of insufficient or diffuse light due to cloudy or hazy weather. The actuator 500 includes a controller 520, such as a microprocessor, a computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), etc., which adjusts power to the drive device 510 (such as a servo controller, an actuator, or a stepper motor 511) in response to the determination of the direction of the sun, which may be determined by direct calculation or measurement.

The grouped louver assembly 110 includes tiltable louvers or slats 600 in an array 160. The array 160 can include a plurality of louvers 600 arranged in one or more vertically stacked columns. Thus, the array 160 can extend in width, either laterally or horizontally, by the length of one or more louvers 600. Additionally, the louvers 600 can be arranged vertically in multiple, laterally adjacent stacks to span varying window widths. The louvers 600 in the array 160 are generally or nearly parallel to one another and supported by a common support mechanism that allows for tilt adjustment via an actuator 500. The louvers 600 can be opaque, transparent, translucent, and/or reflective, as well as any combination thereof. Preferably, the louvers 600 have light redirecting properties to control the angle at which incident sunlight enters the building structure. In one operating mode, louvers 600 are oriented to substantially follow the sun 3, redirecting light as needed, preferably toward interior ceiling 20 so that sunlight can scatter therefrom (as rays 13) to illuminate a greater portion of the structure's interior, as shown in Figures 1A-1C. Preferably, daylighting or light redirecting louvers 600 are substantially flat slats configured with parallel reflective interior surfaces within a transparent matrix. As shown in Figure 5B, when louvers 600 are vertical, the interior reflective surfaces are horizontal, and building occupants viewing array 160 in the direction normal to the window surface have the best view out of window 15. See-through visibility is always most complete when the occupant views the window at an angle parallel to the plane of the reflective interior surfaces. Most complete means uninterrupted by lines of the interior reflective surfaces, which would be noticeable if these interior reflective surfaces reflected otherwise visible light.

The optimal direction of visibility for such see-through is shown in Figures 1A-1C by a double-headed arrow 14, which points from the eye level of the occupant 1 towards the window 15 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the shutter plate 600.

1A-1C illustrate how alternative orientations of the louvers 600 redirect light into a room when the sun's position is tracked or calculated and the louvers 600 are rotated appropriately to selectively select the area of the ceiling 20a to which incident sunlight is redirected.

In FIG1A , the sun 3 is at the horizon, and it is desirable to tilt the louver 600 negatively (as shown in FIG5A ) so that the sunlight is redirected toward the ceiling area 20 a rather than the occupant's eyes as rays 12. When the sunlight is redirected toward the ceiling 20 , it is thereby scattered as rays 13 to illuminate deeper portions of the room further from the window 15 from above to a greater extent, thereby providing daylight illumination for the occupant 2 .

Figures 1B and 1C also illustrate a preferred use of a daylight redirecting window shutter control system 100 to direct at least some of the light rays 10 from the sun 3 incident on a window 15 at progressively higher angles off a path 11 that would be directed indoors toward the floor 5 and redirected upward toward the ceiling 20 as rays 12' where they will scatter off the ceiling 20 as rays 13. At higher altitudes, some of the rays 10' are also redirected as rays 12' that penetrate deeper into the room where they scatter off the ceiling as diffused natural light 13'.

At these higher sun altitudes of Figures 1B and 1C, the louver 600 is rotated from the negative orientation toward the vertical orientation (Figure 5B) so that the light-reflecting surface selectively illuminates the same portion 20a of the ceiling 20. As the sun's altitude increases in Figure 1C, the louver 600 can alternatively be rotated to an angle that provides maximum efficiency for light use. Maximum efficiency is achieved at the louver rotation angle at which all light incident on the surface of the window 15 is redirected toward the ceiling. In contrast, a fixed light range or angle would allow some light to be emitted directly through the louver 600 and strike the floor as rays 11. In addition to the time of day and the sun's altitude, the optimal angle also depends on the aspect ratio of the louver's light-redirecting elements and the sun's position (which varies with the window's orientation with respect to compass coordinates, longitude, and latitude).

For example, the maximum efficiency angle for a light directing structure with a 2:1 aspect ratio is ~41.8 degrees at an azimuth angle of "0," but at a 1.6:1 aspect ratio, this angle changes to about 52 degrees from the louver surface normal. FIG1C shows the sun at a still higher altitude, where the louver 600, after being oriented vertically (as shown in FIG5C ), is tilted in a positive direction to continue redirecting light toward a portion of the ceiling 20 (e.g., portion 20c), which may optionally be identical to portions 20a and 20b in FIG1A and FIG1B , respectively. Occupant 1 has the best view by looking upward in the direction of arrow 14.

The head 120 includes an actuator 500 or device to rotate the louvers 600 in the array 160 in response to the sun's position or weather conditions. The head has a front edge that is positioned as close as possible to the interior window 15 surface within the window frame or within a sealed glazing unit. Accordingly, the louver assembly 110 and louver rotation mechanism are preferably positioned rearward from the front surface of the head 120 (which is the portion closest to the window 15) to allow the louvers 60 to rotate to a fully horizontal orientation without striking the window 15 surface. The louvers 600 are preferably no wider than the depth of the head 120.

It will be appreciated that while it is preferred in many applications that the elongated head 120 be positioned horizontally at the top of the window, it is also possible to position the head vertically on the side of the window to allow the shutter to rotate vertically when in operation.

To accommodate the entire louver assembly 110 and window louver control system 100 components, particularly the device 130 for measuring or determining the direction of the sun, within the head 120, the sun's altitude and azimuth position can be measured by a sensor or sensor array 141 disposed within or connected to the head 120, and optionally in front of the louver rotation drive mechanism 510, so that one or more optical detection devices 135 attached to or integrated into the louver 600 can detect incident solar radiation via the differential outputs (if any) of the sensors in the sensor array 141. The optical element 142 adjusts the impact of the substantially collimated solar radiation on the detector or a portion of the detector array so that the sun's altitude and/or azimuth can be determined based on the differential outputs of the sensors within the array and, optionally, based on changes in the louver orientation.

Because the louvers 600 are automatically rotated in response to changes in the sun's altitude in process 1400 of FIG. 14 , when optical elements 142 are attached to the rotatable louvers 600, the orientation of the optical elements 142 can be selectively varied to provide different distributions of solar energy across the sensor array 141. The optical elements can be selected so that the optimal louver rotation for sunlight redirection provides a substantially consistent illumination pattern or a time-varying illumination pattern on the sensor array. This time-varying illumination pattern can then be used to determine the optimal louver orientation for sunlight redirection.

Alternatively, optical element 142 may be fixed to a fixed louver or to a head, causing the illumination pattern on the sensor array to vary, but this temporal variation can be used to calculate the desired orientation of at least some portions of the rotatable louvers, allowing them to be continuously adjusted within a predetermined range. Louvers 600 can be intentionally rotated within a range to vary the detector output and thereby determine one or more of the solar altitude and azimuth. FIG3 illustrates an embodiment in which optical detection device 135 is a subset of louvers 160′ that are rotatable in front of a single photovoltaic cell 710 serving as detector device 140. Louvers 160′ are preferably opaque and have a high aspect ratio to be substantially aligned with the surface of photovoltaic cell 710 serving as the detector. Alternatively, optical element 142 may be selected to provide any combination of temporal variations in the illumination pattern on sensor array 141.

Accordingly, in the various embodiments described in further detail below, representative, but not exhaustive, examples of optical element and sensor combinations are provided that may be advantageous in various locations and user-specific applications.

As shown in FIG4 , the device 130 for measuring or determining the direction of the sun can be an optical element 142, but can be configured with one or more of the following: a plane mirror, a right-angle prism, a curved mirror, a Fresnel reflector, a refractive and diffractive element, including lenses and collimators. When "locked" in an orientation pointing toward the sun, such an optical element 142 ideally captures a portion of the light from the solar disk reflected by the optical element 142 to illuminate only the central detector in the sensor array 141. The width of the optical element 142 is determined by the overall detector configuration (number, size, and spacing of detectors) and the optical geometry, such as the angular diameter of the sun and the distance from the tracking mirror to the light detector. The length of the mirror depends on the desired azimuth or deviation angle range for direct tracking. Since the distance from the tracking mirror to the detector increases with increasing azimuth angle, the width of the reflected light also increases and exists at angles offset from the detector axis. In the case of a flat tracking mirror, the width of the optical element 142 can be extended by providing a taper across the width of the optical element 142 as it extends toward its end. Alternatively, the optical element 142 may be tapered at the lateral ends so that the focal length is equal to the distance from the mirror surface to the detector.

Alternatively, a standard rectangular optical element 142 can be configured with a linear array of finely spaced sensor arrays 141. The sensor array 141 need only have sufficiently dispersed detectors to accurately extract the sun's orientation from the differential outputs of adjacent detector elements in the sensor array 141. Accordingly, the optical element 142 is designed to image a portion of the solar disk projected by the mirror onto a portion of the array that is less than approximately the size or width of two adjacent detector elements. The sun's orientation can then be calculated by determining where the edge of the sun falls, allowing for distribution across a varying number of detectors. This can also be accomplished using a two-dimensional CCD array or other camera-type imaging detector, and when the CCD array is very small, a focusing light guide can optionally be placed between the sun's fall and the CCD array.

The narrow rectangular optical element 142 has been satisfactorily implemented using the three sensor arrays 141. The detection process also includes dynamically monitoring light intensity as the louvers 600' supporting the optical element 142 are rotated by comparing the relative amplitudes of the outputs of each detector within the sensor array 141. Assuming the optical arrangement limits full illumination to only two of the three sensors, the tilt position is further adjusted until the center detector is maximized and the side detectors see similar intensity, indicating the direction of tilt for optimal detection. Preferably, the louvers are adjusted continuously to maximize tracking accuracy. However, it is preferred to conserve battery power through lower frequency movement of the louvers, and tracking can be at discrete time intervals or selected by the user in the setup process 1401 of Figure 14. The time between movement and tracking events in process 1400 can be extended by predicting the sun position based on the time between the last tracking measurement taken using the known site orientation of the window and the installation longitude and latitude, as well as the time and date.

The head 120 may also be configured with one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells 710 facing the window 15 to power the sensor array 141, the controller 520 ( FIG. 15 ), and any motors 511 and/or servo controllers that adjust the orientation of the array 160 of louvers. Given that the optical elements cause temporal variations in solar radiation during the day, such photovoltaic cells 710 may also be configured as detectors.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photovoltaic cell 710 generates sufficient energy to provide all the energy required to power the actuators 500 (such as the servo controller, actuator or motor 511, and controller or microprocessor 520 and associated control electronics). It is desirable that the entire window louver control system 100 be self-contained, requiring no wired connection to an external power source or battery cycling. The photovoltaic cell 710 is intended to provide sufficient energy to power the system for approximately a year. However, as a self-contained device, preferably no taller than the head 120 necessary to accommodate the drive unit 510, there is limited space for such a photovoltaic cell 710. This limited space, coupled with the high cost of photovoltaic cells, necessitates an energy-efficient drive system. Because the photovoltaic cell 710 inherently has a lower output on cloudy and overcast days, as shown in FIG14 , this output can be used to select a predetermined louver 600 orientation under such conditions. Since the photovoltaic cell 710 provides minimal battery recharge on cloudy days, it is desirable not to move the louver or attempt sun tracking until the photovoltaic cell 710 provides a higher output and the battery recharges to a desired level. However, the window louver control system 100 may also be powered via a wired connection and controlled directly via a wall switch to override the automatic rotation of the louvers 600 .

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is a louver support and drive system that can be driven by a small, low-power motor that produces a low torque that will operate for about a year from the solar energy obtained from the photovoltaic cells 710. The preferred drive device 510 shown herein and described in further detail below accomplishes these goals.

5A-5C are schematic perspective views of three alternative orientations of the louver slats in the embodiment of FIG. 4 , with FIG. 5A showing a negative tilt of approximately 20° from the vertical louver 600 position in FIG. 5B , and FIG. 5C showing a positive tilt of approximately 45°. It should be understood that the negative to positive tilt can be achieved by counterclockwise rotation of the upper edge of each louver slat, so that the louver slat 600 reaches a vertical position ( FIG. 5B ) between these movements. Therefore, the total rotation is the sum of the absolute values of the positive and negative tilts. Thus, in the case of the movement from FIG. 5C to FIG. 5A , the total rotation is 65°.

As the upper edge of each louver 600 rotates counterclockwise from the positive tilt of FIG. 5C (as indicated by the curved arrow 501 in FIG. 5A ) to a zero or vertical position, the lower edge of each louver (louver 600' in FIG. 5B ) is spaced apart from the upper edge of the lower louver 600 in each stack by a small gap 502 in the closest state in the vertical orientation to minimize sunlight leakage.

The negative tilt of configuration FIG5A allows very low angle sunlight to be redirected toward the ceiling, rather than being emitted directly between the louver panels or leaking to building occupants 1 and 2 at eye level.

6A, 6B, and 13 illustrate components of a preferred embodiment of a drive assembly 510, which includes a motor 511. The motor 511 directly drives a stepper spindle 513, which is connected to a wedge gear 515 via a drive gear 514. The wedge gear 515 is attached to one end of a common head shaft 512. The opposite end of the head 120 supports the other end of the shaft 512, and the opposite end of the head 120 also terminates in at least a portion of the wedge gear 515 having an extended position for a positioning rod support pin 516 shown on the wedge gear 515 in these figures.

As shown in FIG13 , a wedge gear 515 is retained on the common head shaft 512 by an end bolt. The radius of the positioning arm of the wedge gear 515 ( R1 in FIG6B ) is equal to the distance ( D1 ) between the support pin and the positioning pin on the louver end fixture. Furthermore, the louver sensing switch 517 provided in the head module 122 is tripped by contact with the wedge gear 515 when it reaches a position corresponding to the louver array 160 reaching its most forward negative tilt angle, allowing the controller 520 to determine the absolute reference tilt angle of the louver array 160.

Rotation of the wedge gear 515 raises or lowers the vertically extending positioning rod 162, which is suspended from the support pin 516 via the upper keyhole-like groove 1611. In contrast, the support rod 161 is fixed to the top end of the head 120, and is suspended from the fixed pin 1612 at the upper keyhole groove. It will be understood that the positioning rod 162 can alternatively be replaced by a linear support member that can be vertically moved by the actuator 500, such as a rope or cable, and the end clamp 163 can be adapted so that the engagement positioning clamp pin 1652 is replaced by another member for fixed engagement to such an alternative linear support member.

Each louver slat 600 is supported at opposite ends by an end clamp 163 or conjugate support clamp 166 (Figures 8A-D). The end clamps 163 and conjugate support clamp 166 have edge grooves or jaw portions 167 to accommodate and frictionally grip the short edges of the louver slat 600. Opposite ends of the clamps 163, 163', and 165 position extending pins or shafts from the grooves or jaw portions 167 that engage keyholes or other recesses in the vertical suspension support rods. The support pins on the end clamps 163, 166, and 163' have spike-like heads 1643 to prevent the lower portion of the keyhole recess 1611 from falling out.

Each of the fixed support rod 161 and the movable positioning rod 162 has a series of such keyhole grooves 1611 arranged along its length. Each louver plate 600 is connected to the support rod 161 and the positioning rod 162 at opposite ends by an end clamp 163 (Figures 7A and 7B) or a conjugate support clamp 166 (Figures 8A-D) having one or more pins or shafts that are freely rotatable in the bottom of the keyhole grooves in the vertical hanging rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the center of the central support pin 1642 or conjugate support fixture shaft 1662 is aligned with the surface of the optical element 142, but centered between the front and rear edges of the louver 600. However, the pin 1642 is still offset from the louver's center of mass to position the louver 600 in a horizontal position. In contrast, in FIG5A , the center of the locating pin 1652 is offset so that when the support rod 161 and the locating rod 162 contact at the louver 600 orientation, the louver 600 is at its most negative angle. The end fixture 163 supports the pin 1652 between the upper edge of the louver 600 and the center of the pin 1642 via the offset arm 1651. It should also be noted that the louver 600 is allowed to rotate clockwise, and the fixture locating pin 1652 extends away from the fixture body via the arm 1651.

When the center support rod 161 and the positioning rod hanger are laterally separated by rotation of the stepper motor 511, the separation of pins 1642 to pins 1652 on the clamp arms 163 and 163' corresponds to the separation of the bottoms of the relevant keyholes on the center support rod 161 and the positioning rod hanger.

As a result, the positioning rods 162 carry very little load, while the static support rods 161 carry the majority of the louver 600 load. Because the load of the louvers 600 in the array 160 is carried by the fixed support rods 161, only low power and torque are required to raise or lower the positioning rods 162, requiring the louvers 600 in the array 160 to rotate a very small distance. Similarly, the positioning clamp arms and pins are positioned away from the center of gravity of the louver 600, reducing the torque required to rotate the louver 600.

The conjugate support hanger 165 and conjugate support clamp 166 (Figures 8A-8D) allow for the horizontal connection of multiple horizontally adjacent louvers 600 to expand the width of the array 160 from a standard louver 600 element to the width of the window. Louvers 600 at the ends of the array 160 are held at their outer edges by end clamps 163. Louvers 600 not at the edges of the array are connected to the conjugate support hanger 165 at one end by a support clamp 166. Thus, the conjugate support clamp 166 (Figures 8A-8D) attaches two louvers 600 end-to-end and configures a central axis 1662 positioned across the channel that accommodates the conjugate support hanger 165. This central axis 1662 is then supported at the base of a recess within the conjugate support hanger 165. The conjugate support hanger 165 is supported vertically by a securing pin disposed within the head 120 between the end caps 123. Negative rake rotation ( FIG. 5A ) may be enabled by the conjugate support spreader 165 , by its reduced trapezoidal region defined by the trailing edge 165a in the rounded portion 801 in FIG. 8A .

It should be understood that although the center arm pin 1642 and the locating clamp pin 1652 are on a common end clamp to reduce the number of parts in the assembled device, each device can be associated with a separate adjacent end clamp 163 and the position of the locating clamp pin 1652 can be adjusted for each louver plate 600 in the vertical stack.

While the present invention has been described with respect to louvers 600 remaining substantially parallel, the locating fixtures 163 and 166 can be used to introduce an incremental deflection angle (α in FIG. 6B ) between each adjacent louver 600 in a vertical stack. This variable rotation can be achieved by varying the position of the locating pin 1652 of each louver 600 from the center arm pin 1642 so that, in the most vertical position, the lowermost louver 600 is most deflected from the most vertical upper louver 600′.

By such an offset, where each louver 600 is rotated to a greater angle than the adjacent louvers, the benefit of spreading the redirected light over a wider range of angles on the ceiling 20 may be provided, thereby causing the diffused light 13 to illuminate a greater portion of the building interior.

Therefore, another preferred embodiment of the end clamp 163' (Figure 9) is configured with an adjustable locating clamp pin 1652. By using this locating pin 1652, the offset can be adjusted on each pair of edge support members 163. Each louver 600 need not be parallel to the adjacent louvers, and the position of each pin 1652 on the arm 1651' can be adjusted by moving it in the groove 1654 by a different amount than the adjacent louvers 600. Alternatively, the locating clamp arm 1651 can be configured by repositioning the set screw along the end clamp, thereby adjusting the position of each louver 600.

Figure 10 shows an alternative end clamp 163' that can be configured to achieve such incremental biasing (α in Figure 6B) in each louver 600. The positioning support arm 1651" (having an outwardly extending positioning clamp pin 1652") is on the opposite end of the lever arm portion 1653 from the fixing screw 1654 so that it extends through a threaded hole in the lever arm 1653. The lever arm 1653 is connected to the body of the clamp 163' by a flexible column 1656. Rotating the fixing screw 1654 so that it contacts the clamp pin body causes the arm 1653 to rotate clockwise, causing the pin 1651" to move closer to the surface of the louver 600 located in the linear channel of the clamp portion 167. This displacement of the pin 1651" provides incremental biasing to each louver 600 within the vertical assembly 160.

FIG11 shows a preferred modular structure of the actuator 500 contained within a module 122 that slides into the head housing 121 and is sealed therein by opposing end caps 123 that also support wedge gears 515 connected to a common head shaft 512.

Figure 12 shows a partially unassembled view of the head 120, upper louver 600, and optical sensor assembly 140 before the head module 122 is inserted into the head housing 121. The sensor array 141 (preferably on a separate PCB) slides out of a recess 126 in the head module 122 after the module 120 is slid laterally into the head housing 121. The head housing 121 has a front opening corresponding to the detector array positioning recess 126. The position of the sensor array 141 is optionally determined by an adjustment screw. Preferably, a spring positioned between the PCB and the frame urges the PCB forward. A recessed opening in the bottom of the head module 122 allows sunlight to reach the photodiodes of the sensor array 141. The head housing 121 has a corresponding recess and opening.

The controller 520 and related electronic components are on a printed circuit board (PCB) 900, which fits into mating recesses on the front of the head module 122. Once the optical sensor assembly 140 is inserted into the corresponding recess 126 and connected to the PCB 900, the module 122 is inserted into the elongated rectangular head housing 121 and sealed with end caps 123, completing the assembly of the head 120.

14 illustrates an alternative method of using the window shutter control system 100 using a tracking process 1400. The tracking process 1400 has a sub-process 1401 for setting tracking conditions for each installed window.

Although each window louver control system 100 may have a dedicated user interface to input and/or determine a set of tracking parameters in subprocess 1401, preferably, the controller 510 also includes a wireless communication module or an IR signal receiving module to receive the tracking parameters transmitted in step 1460.

Steps 1410 through 1455 allow for selection of tracking parameters for a single window. Where multiple window louver control systems 100 within a single structure or related structures have a common orientation and are provided to illuminate a common area or other region of the structure, they may be grouped together to receive the same set of parameters in step 1460 via step 1456, wherein the user may collectively set the parameters for the multiple windows to be the same, or at least partially the same as the parameters for any other window previously set or stored in the controller memory.

The window orientation (with respect to compass coordinates) is determined or set in step 1410 so that the tracking algorithm can account for variations in solar altitude and/or azimuth over the day and season.

The installation latitude and preferably longitude and/or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) offset are selected or determined in step 1420. In step 1430 the current date and time are determined or set.

In step 1440, the tracking time period is set, which is typically daylight hours, but can be changed if the window location is habitually obscured by external objects at certain times during the day.

In step 1450, the louver orientation for non-tracking time is set. Optionally, the same orientation as during tracking is used at the beginning of the next day, or the vertical position in FIG. 5B is used to maximize see-through visibility. At night and when the building is vacant (such as on weekends or holidays for commercial establishments), it is not necessary to attempt sun tracking. Therefore, in optional step 1450, the louver orientation for non-tracking time is selected, which can be set by an angle relative to the vertical orientation ( FIG. 5B ) that places the louver 600 vertically for maximized see-through visibility.

In step 1451 and/or step 1452, a tracking mode is selected, which in step 1451 optionally redirects light to the same ceiling location, i.e., optional ceiling location 20a, through rotation of the louvers, as determined in part by the current sun altitude and azimuth. Alternatively, sun tracking can be set in step 1452 for maximum efficiency, meaning maximizing the use of available daylight without specifically considering where on the interior ceiling 20 it is redirected.

At maximum efficiency, the louvers 600 are tilted to a tight or double internal reflection position, which for a 2:1 aspect ratio interior optical element is approximately 42 degrees of effective solar angle elevation, as defined by the reflective surface. In a fixed redirection strategy, the louvers are tilted to project redirected sunlight to a fixed location within the room. It is important to note that, despite the lower efficiency of fixed redirection, this approach can be used for any window in different rooms or living areas, at different times of the day, including swapping installations with adjacent windows.

Another aspect of the process is that the microprocessor/controller 520 can store or access data media during installation to determine the orientation of the window, the longitude and latitude of the installation, and the current time and date. The microprocessor can then calculate the optimal orientation as a function of day and time, allowing for nearly continuous adjustment. A preferred way to provide this data is via a smartphone, which can also determine the window orientation from an embedded compass. The smartphone can be used to determine the window orientation after the head is installed in the window frame. The smartphone can also be used to input all the parameters needed to uniquely determine the sun's altitude and hours of sunlight, which tracking will improve interior daylighting and reduce glare for occupants looking directly at the window.

Therefore, the window shutter control system 100 and/or the actuator 500 or the controller 520 further includes a wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth ^™ 521 or a Wi-Fi module 521′, or an infrared (IR) detector 521″, to receive the above parameters in step 1460 at installation time, such as from an IR remote control device. Also advantageously, the parameters, any alternative conditions, such as an indication for the shutter position at night or on cloudy, overcast or rainy days, are provided in such communication using a smartphone in step 1460 (step 1455).

In setup step 1450 , the orientation of the louver 600 may also be selected for when tracking is not desired.

Steps 1410 and 1440 relate to a setup process that optionally uses the controller 520 to derive or calculate the sun altitude and azimuth in step 1490 before rotating the louvers 600 in step 1495 .

Outside of weekdays or daytime hours, the user may select that time range in step 1450 and the preferred louver orientation within such time range.

It should be understood that any tracking or no-tracking time range can be divided into multiple ranges, each with a method for specifying a louver orientation and determining the optimal louver orientation. For example, as shown in the example of FIG5A, when the sun is very close to the horizon 9 (early morning or evening), it is desirable to have the louvers 600 tilted negatively. In contrast, as shown in FIG5B, the vertical orientation of the louvers is to maximize visibility from the interior to the exterior. FIG5C shows the preferred orientation when tracking the sun.

Thus, in optional step 1455 , the user may select or determine whether the louvers should be set to a particular orientation on cloudy days, which may be regularly updated by weather forecast data transmitted from a smartphone or by real-time measurement of light intensity from photovoltaic cells 710 by controller 520 .

While various prismatic structures are known for light redirection when applied to glazing or used on tiltable louvers, it will be appreciated that more preferred embodiments eliminate the secondary issues of such sun structures, particularly reducing glare that occurs in prismatic structures, while at the same time achieving see-through visibility both in the louvers and in any horizontal gaps between them.

It should be noted that to the extent that louvers can be designed to redirect light inwardly, rather than reflecting light as in US Pat. No. 4,773,733, the louver structure improves upon several negative side effects of prior art light redirection structures and provides additional positive benefits.

For example, in many installations, the louvers 600 may be substantially vertical, so that when they track the sun, there are relatively small vertical gaps between the tilted louvers 600. Therefore, in order for someone inside the building to "see through" the louver array to the outside of the building, the louvers must be able to transmit horizontal light in the vertical orientation of Figures 2 and 3. Because the louvers are substantially vertical in the daytime or light redirection mode, the edges of the louvers can create significant glare when they form vertical gaps or allow some strong sunlight to leak through or escape from these edges. Accordingly, in a more preferred mode of the present invention, these louvers 600 have blackened edges. These negative effects are more fully described in the co-pending U.S. patent applications that share common priority with this application and are incorporated herein by reference.

In an alternative embodiment, there is no need to configure sun tracking optics and a linear detector array to track the sun's altitude and angle, as this can be calculated uniquely from the time, date, window orientation, longitude, and latitude.

The actuator 500 in the block diagram of FIG15 schematically shows preferred and optional components connected to a microprocessor or controller 520 powered by a battery 720 via a battery charger/manager 721, which receives an appropriate voltage from a boost regulator 711. The boost regulator 711 converts the output of the photovoltaic cell 710 on the front of the head 120 into an appropriate input voltage for the battery charger/manager 721. The microprocessor 520 is optionally equipped with a removable or removable memory 529 to store the setup parameters from process 1401 in FIG14. A real-time clock 523 provides the controller 520 with the time and, optionally, the date of step 1470 in FIG14. Optionally, one of the Bluetooth ^™ receiver 521, the Wi-Fi receiver 521′, or the IR detector 521″ receives the parameters in step 1460 of FIG. 14 . The controller 520 then determines the solar altitude and azimuth by calculation (optionally via actual measurements received therefrom) in step 1490 based on the output of the photodiode or similar sensor array 141 and, optionally, the real-time photovoltaic cell 710 output used to determine cloudy or overcast conditions in step 1480. The microprocessor 520 then activates the stepper motor 511 via an associated driver in step 1495 or step 1485 to rotate the louver based on the calculation of the louver orientation in step 1490. Step 1470 is repeated until the current time/date is no longer within the tracking time period, in which case the controller 520 is operable in step 1475 to activate the actuator in step 1475 and rotate the louver to the position selected in step 1450.

The present invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, but there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention to the specific forms disclosed above. On the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

For example, it will be appreciated that while the preferred louver actuator and drive mechanisms are particularly well suited for frequently moved light redirecting louvers, they may also be configured with non-planar louvers, opaque or translucent or scattering louvers to better control the entry of daylight, light and heat, or to ensure privacy for residents, depending on the date and season, climate and user needs, as handled by the setup of FIG. 14 .

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of two or more louvers can be used as collimators 136 to adjust the light impinging on the photovoltaic cell 710 positioned behind them, which can provide a sensor device 140. When the louvers 600 are oriented to match the sun's altitude, the electrical output of the photovoltaic cell 710 is maximized. This louver orientation can be used to determine the sun's altitude, and at least another portion of the louver array can be readjusted to optimize the sunlight redirection effect for that sun's altitude. Using graffiti or stickers, a small portion of the louver used for sunlight redirection can be painted black to make it opaque, thereby preventing glare from edge reflections. It should be understood that the opaque end clamps 163 also prevent glare from the side edges. This portion of the louver need only be the width of the photovoltaic cell 710 used as the detector. The photovoltaic cell 710 can optionally be transparent to prevent visual interference when hanging overhead. Alternatively, a mirror may be placed behind the blacked out louver section to redirect sunlight to the photovoltaic cells 710 facing downward from the bottom of the louver and outward from the front of the head as shown in FIG. 3 .

Alternatively, the front edge of the head 120 may be covered by the uppermost louver 600 in the array, with one or more photovoltaic cells 710 covering the front edge. Alternatively, the head 120 may have one or more sets of such sensing louvers, which are individually tiltable and positioned above the main louver, which rotates with a separate servo control or motor or is meshed to rotate with the larger hanging louver. The head 120 may include a set of horizontally and vertically positioned sensing louvers, each with its own individual light detector to measure the sun's altitude and azimuth and adjust the main louvers accordingly. When these sensing louvers are positioned in front of the head 120, directly facing the glass window, they will not be in the head's shadow and will not distract from the view from the interior of the room.

Alternatively to providing a clean interior line, the uppermost louvers are at least partially blacked out, with the photovoltaic cell or array of photovoltaic cells 710 extending from the head across the entire width of the head. These uppermost louvers can be narrower and spaced closer together than the louvers used for light redirection to reduce the height of the photovoltaic cells, thereby providing a greater percentage of the available glazing array for redirecting sunlight through the other louvers.

It should be understood that in these embodiments, the photovoltaic cell 710 is used as a detector, and the portion of the louver or the louver that blocks the photovoltaic cell is used as an optical element. This structure avoids the use of a detector array and any discrete optical elements placed on the louver for redirecting light.

In an alternative embodiment also shown in FIG2 , a two-dimensional CCD array or other imaging type image detector 146′ is optionally provided as the detector device to directly image the sun through a wide field of view looking out of the window. Alternatively, the position of the sun can be inferred from an inward-facing camera 146′ directed toward the ceiling 20 to measure the illuminated portion 20a and adjust the louver orientation according to the teachings of the present application. The center of portion 20a can be used to calculate the sun's altitude. FIG15 shows the optional camera detectors 146′ and 146″ in signal communication with the controller 520.

It should be understood that the present invention also contemplates the use of multiple optical elements and detectors, such as one pair dedicated to measuring the sun's altitude and another pair dedicated to measuring the sun's azimuth.

Combinations of features, characteristics or elements described in the embodiment in which they are applied, or other combinations in different embodiments of the invention, are not excluded.

Claims (19)

1. A louver panel assembly, characterized in that the louver panel assembly comprises: a) An array of substantially parallel louvered panels, the array being tiltable or rotatable. b) A device for determining the direction of the sun. c) Implementing agency, d) A head for supporting the array of louver panels, the head including the actuator to tilt the substantially parallel louver panels. e) wherein the actuator is operable to tilt the louver panel from a negative tilt angle to vertical and from vertical to a positive tilt angle, wherein the total rotation is the sum of the absolute values of the positive tilt angle and the negative tilt angle; Each louver panel is supported at opposite ends by a support clamp that engages with the following components: a) A vertically suspended and fixed support rod. b) A positioning rod disposed behind the support rod, wherein the positioning rod and the support rod engage with different portions of the louver panel, such that the weight of the louver panels in the array is supported by the vertically suspended and fixed support rod, and the vertical movement of the positioning rod causes the louver panel to rotate. 2. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the louver panel is used for light redirection and is rotated to redirect sunlight into the interior space. 3. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, when viewed in the surface normal direction, the louver panel has through-view visibility. 4. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the louver panel assembly further comprises one or more photovoltaic cells for supplying power to the actuator. 5. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each louver panel is fixedly supported in a space near the center, and the actuator is operable to rotate the louver panel about the fixed support position by means of a vertically moving positioning rod. 6. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured with a wedge gear to raise and lower the positioning rod. 7. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the louver panels have blackened edges. 8. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein one or more louver panels in the array are configured to have a predetermined angle relative to the parallel orientation. 9. The louver panel assembly according to claim 8, wherein one or more louver panels in the array are configured to have a predetermined angle, the predetermined angle being set by support clamps attached to opposite ends of the louver panels. 10. A method for configuring an adjustable light-redirecting venetian blind, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) Provides a louver panel assembly, the louver panel assembly comprising: i) An array of substantially parallel louvered panels, which may be tilted or rotated. ii) A device for determining the direction of the sun. iii) Implementing agency, iv) A head for supporting the array of louver panels, the head including the actuator to tilt the substantially parallel louver panels. v) wherein the actuator is operable to tilt the louver panel; b) Determine whether the sunlight is direct or diffused; c) Adjust the position of the louver panel in response to the determination made in step b; d) Wherein, the determining step further includes determining the solar altitude when the sunlight is direct. 11. The method for configuring an adjustable light redirection venetian blind according to claim 10, characterized in that the output of the photovoltaic cell is configured in step b. 12. A method for configuring an adjustable light-redirecting venetian blind, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) Provides a louver panel assembly, the louver panel assembly comprising: i) An array of substantially parallel louvered panels, which may be tilted or rotated. ii) A device for determining the direction of the sun. iii) Implementing agency, iv) A head for supporting the array of louver panels, the head including the actuator to rotate the substantially parallel louver panels. v) wherein the actuator is operable to tilt the louver panel; b) Determine the solar altitude; c) In response to the determination in step b, adjust the position of the louver panel to adjust the position of the light redirected by the louver panel toward the interior space of the building. 13. The method for configuring an adjustable light redirection venetian blind according to claim 12, characterized in that the output of the photovoltaic cell is configured in step b. 14. The method for configuring an adjustable light-redirecting venetian blind according to claim 12, wherein the actuator is operable to tilt the venetian blind from a negative tilt angle to vertical, and from vertical to a positive tilt angle. 15. The louver panel assembly according to claim 4, wherein the actuator further comprises a battery storing energy from the photovoltaic cell, and when the charge of the battery is below a predetermined level, the louver panel is not rotated, so as to maintain sufficient energy in the battery to fully operate the louver panel assembly in the absence of a wired power supply. 16. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the means for determining the direction of the sun is a reflector disposed on the upper louver panel in the array, wherein the upper louver panel is tilted to maintain an image of the solar surface on the detector array supported by the head. 17. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the device for determining the sun direction is a calculation device configured with at least date, time, and compass orientation and position of the louver panel array. 18. The louver panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of louver panels are supported at opposite ends by support clamps, and the array is assembled by support clamps connecting the stacked louver panels. 19. The louver panel assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one rod suspended from the head connects the support clamp of the stacked louver panels.