JP7412475B2 - Light-transmitting panels with active components - Google Patents

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application is incorporated by reference in U.S. Patent Application No. 1, filed October 12, 2017, and entitled "Light Transmitting Panel with Active Components." No. 62/571,470 is claimed. This application is filed on May 18, 2018 and is filed in U.S. Patent Application No. 1, entitled "Light Transmitting Panel with Active Components." No. 15/983, 152 is claimed. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates generally to light transmissive panels.

Panels made from glass and some plastics allow the transmission of light and can also allow the transmission of heat and sound.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a first panel, a second panel, a gap between the first panel and the second panel, and a first active component disposed within the gap. a light transmissive panel assembly comprising: an active component); The first active component has controllable light transmission properties.

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 includes a spacer separating the first active component from the first panel and spacing the first active component from the second panel. The spacer may include a support structure that suspends the first active component within the gap.

In some embodiments, the light transmissive panel assembly includes a second active component disposed within the gap, the second active component having controllable light emitting characteristics. 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 spaced apart from the second panel. Good too. 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. and 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 can.

In some embodiments, the first active component is variable between a translucent state and an opaque state. In some embodiments, the first active component is changeable between a translucent state and a reflective state.

In some embodiments, the second active component is an edge-lit glass panel. Edge-lit glass panels may include lighting devices. The edge-lit glass panel may include a spacer disposed between the first panel and the second panel, separating the first panel from the second panel to define a gap, and providing lighting. The device is located outwardly relative to the spacer. The edge-lit glass panel can include a frame with an outer edge of the first panel extending outwardly relative to the lighting device and with the outer edge of the first panel being supported by the frame.

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

1 is a perspective view of an assembly including a frame and panel assembly according to a first embodiment; FIG.

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

3 is a detailed view of the area shown in FIG. 2, including an example of the connection of a first frame portion of a frame to a first panel and a second panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

2 is a diagram illustrating a first exemplary structure of a first panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

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

2 is a diagram illustrating a second exemplary structure of a first panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

2 illustrates a third exemplary structure of the first panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

2 is a diagram illustrating a first exemplary structure of a second panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

2 is a diagram illustrating a second exemplary structure of a second panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

2 illustrates a third exemplary structure of the second panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

2 illustrates a fourth exemplary structure of the second panel of the panel assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller.

The disclosure herein is directed to light transmissive panel assemblies, such as windows, that include transparent or translucent panels. The light transmissive panel assembly includes a first laminate panel structure and a second laminate panel structure separated by a gap, which may also be referred to as a void or space.

In some embodiments, the first laminate panel structure and the second laminate panel structure each include an active and controllable component. As an example, a first laminate panel structure may incorporate a controllable variable light transmission device and a second laminate panel structure may incorporate lighting. By laminating the active controllable component to the first panel structure or the second panel structure, one or more other layers (e.g. , transparent glass or plastic layer) from the outside of the assembly.

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

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

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of assembly 100 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. Panel assembly 104 extends between a first frame portion 202a of frame 102 and a second frame portion 202b of frame 102. Panel assembly 104 includes a first panel 206 and a second panel 208. The first panel 206 is positioned adjacent the first side 201a of the assembly 100, and the second panel 208 is positioned adjacent the second side 201b of the assembly 100. In the exemplary 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 interior space may be, for example, the interior of a building or the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

As further described herein, the active components include the first panel 206 and the 2 panel 208. In particular, the first panel 206 has variable light transmission properties and the second panel 208 has variable light emission properties. As an example, the first panel 206 includes variable light transmission technology to vary the amount of ambient light (e.g., sunlight) that passes 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 to provide illumination to the space on the second side 201b of the assembly 100. Variable light transmission may also include a switchable mirror that changes states between transparent and reflective. The active components can be controlled to provide the desired light intensity and quality of illumination by mixing artificial and natural light. As an example, by positioning a switchable mirror layer or component outward from the light emitting device, more light can be directed into the interior space. As one example, by aligning the variable tone layer or component outward from the light emitting device, less emitted light is directed into external space. As an example, by aligning the variable tone layer or component outward from the light emitting device, ambient light can be blocked to allow control of light intensity and properties within the interior space.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the area shown in FIG. 2, including an example of connecting first frame portion 202a of frame 102 to first panel 206 and second panel 208 of panel assembly 104. First frame portion 202a of frame 102 includes connecting structure that engages edges of first panel 206 and second panel 208. In the illustrated example, channel 310 is formed on the side of first frame portion 202a and extends inwardly. A sealing structure 312 is provided within the channel 310. Sealing structure 312 supports first panel 206 and second panel 208 relative to first frame portion 202a. The sealing structure 312 can prevent the passage of air and liquids and can also cushion the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 against the first frame portion 202a of the frame 102. .

First panel 206 and second panel 208 are supported such that the bottom surface of first panel 206 is spaced from the top surface of second panel 208. As an example, frame 102, including first frame portion 202a and sealing structure 312, can be configured to maintain a desired spacing between first panel 206 and second panel 208. Thus, the frame 102 functions as a support structure that supports the first panel 206 relative to the second panel 208, and the sealing structure 312 acts as a support structure between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208. act as a spacer defining a gap 314 between the two. Gap 314 is a space where first panel 206 and second panel 208 are separated. Gap 314 can eliminate contact between first panel 206 and second panel 208 and reduce heat and sound transfer between first panel 206 and second panel 208. In some embodiments, gap 314 is evacuated. In some embodiments, 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, gap 314 may be filled with a liquid or gel that may have a refractive index that matches first panel 206 and/or second panel 208. In addition to frame 102, spacers can be included adjacent the frame to support first panel 206 relative to second panel 208 and define gap 314.

For example, separate channels may be formed within frame 102 and/or sealing structure 312 to separate first panel 206 from second panel 208. The spacing between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 defines a gap 314 between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208. As an example, the width of each of first panel 206 and second panel 208 may be between 2.0 mm and 8.0 mm, and gap 314 may have a width between 2.0 mm and 12.0 mm. In one embodiment, 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 first panel 206 and second panel 208. In some embodiments, the width of gap 314 is narrower than the width of first panel 206 and the width of gap 314 is narrower than the width of second panel 208. In some embodiments, the width of gap 314 is narrower than the width of at least one of first panel 206 or second panel 208. In some embodiments, the width of gap 314 is less than the combined width of first panel 206 and second panel 208.

In some embodiments, sealing structure 312 defines a hermetic seal of gap 314 to prevent outside air from entering gap 314. In embodiments where gap 314 is sealed to outside air, gap 314 may be filled with air at atmospheric pressure, or a controlled atmosphere may be defined within gap 314. In one embodiment, gap 314 is substantially evacuated such that the pressure within gap 314 is significantly less than atmospheric pressure. In other embodiments, a gas or gas mixture other than ambient air may be present within gap 314, such as substantially pure nitrogen. The gas or gas mixture present within gap 314 may be selected to enhance the noise and insulation properties due to gap 314.

Assembly 100 can be configured such that there are no intervening structures between first panel 206 and second panel 208 at locations inboard from frame 102 . In such embodiments, gap 314 is continuous and uninterrupted at all locations inwardly from frame 102. In other embodiments, a transparent spacer is disposed between the first panel 206 and the second panel 208 at a location inward from the frame 102. As an example, a spacer can be a layer of transparent material with limited longitudinal and lateral extent. As another example, the spacer may be laterally or longitudinally elongated. As another example, a spacer can include an elongated lateral portion and an elongated longitudinal portion that intersect each other in a grid. In such embodiments, gaps 314 may be provided around and between the spacers and divided into unconnected portions.

First panel 206 is connected to first electrical connection 316 . First electrical connection 316 is connected to a power source and/or controller to provide power and/or control signals to one or more active components incorporated into first panel 206.

Light source 318 is supported by first frame portion 202a adjacent the edge of second panel 208. Light source 318 may extend along all or part of the perimeter of second panel 208. As described herein, the light source 318, in combination with the structure of the second panel 208, allows light to be conveyed through the second panel 208 and to provide control, as further described herein. an edge lighting assembly that directs light into the second panel 208 to be emitted in a controlled manner. Light source 318 is connected to second electrical connection 320 . A second electrical connection 320 is connected to a power source and/or controller to enable activation and deactivation of the light source 318 to control the intensity of the light source 318 and/or to control the color of the light source 318. do. In embodiments where other active components are included within second panel 208, other electrical connections may be provided to second panel 208.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first exemplary structure of first panel 206. As shown in FIG. The first panel 206 is a laminated panel formed from transparent or translucent layers, or a laminated panel that can become transparent or translucent under the control of active components, as described below. In this embodiment, the first panel 206 includes, in order from top to bottom, a first layer 422, a first intermediate layer 423, a second layer 424, a second intermediate layer 425, and a third layer. 426, which are bonded together in a lamination process that includes, for example, the application of heat and pressure.

First layer 422 and third layer 426 are transparent layers. First layer 422 and third layer 426 may not include active components. As an example, first layer 422 and third layer 426 may be formed from a silicate glass, such as soda lime glass. As another example, first layer 422 and third layer 426 may be formed from a transparent or translucent polymer or a transparent or translucent polycarbonate.

The second layer 424 incorporates variable light transmission technology. The second layer 424 is controllable by control signals provided to the second layer 424 using the first electrical connection 316 to change the light transmission through the first panel 206. For example, the amount of light transmitted through the first panel 206 can be controlled by the voltage of a control signal sent to the second layer 424 by the first electrical connection 316. The first electrical connection 316 may incorporate a transparent electrode, such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode, so that the variable light transmission properties 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 changes from the first light transmittance value to the second light transmittance characteristic in response to the control signal. The state is changed to have a value. Technologies that may be used to implement the second layer 424 include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PLDC) devices, guest host liquid crystal (GHLC) devices, and switchable mirror devices. It will be done. Some of these techniques are implemented in the form of a film, and in such embodiments, the second layer 424 includes a variable light transmission 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 polymeric 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 voltage values below the threshold. As another example, the second layer 424 may be a switchable mirror layer or a switchable mirror film that can change state between a transparent or translucent state and a reflective state. May include. As an example, a change in state may be induced by applying or ceasing to apply a voltage to at least a portion of second layer 424. As an example, the second layer 424 can incorporate a transition metal hydride electrochromic device with a reflective hydride that changes state between transparent or translucent and reflective upon application of a voltage. Other techniques can be used to implement switchable mirrors within second layer 424.

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

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

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second exemplary structure of first panel 206. As shown in FIG. The first panel 206 is a laminated panel formed from transparent or translucent layers, or a laminated panel that can become transparent or translucent under the control of active components, as described below. In this embodiment, the first panel 206 includes, in order from top to bottom, a first layer 622, a first intermediate layer 623, a second layer 624, a second intermediate layer 625, and a third layer. The layers 626 are bonded together in a lamination process that includes, for example, the application of heat and pressure.

First layer 622 and second layer 624 are transparent layers of glass or plastic (eg, polycarbonate), as described with respect to first layer 422 and third layer 426 of FIG. Third layer 626 is an active layer with variable light transmission properties, as described with respect to second layer 424 in FIG. The third layer 626 is controllable by a control signal applied to the third layer 626 using the first electrical connection 316 to change the light transmission through the first panel 206. The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 4 in that the layer containing the active components is the outer layer of the layered structure.

The first layer 622 is joined to a second layer 624 by a first intermediate layer 623 and the second layer 624 is joined to a third layer 626 by a 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 that incorporate variable light transmission may be utilized for the first panel 206, including laminated and non-laminated panels. Can be done.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third exemplary structure of first panel 206. As shown in FIG. In this example, the first panel 206 is a non-laminated panel that is transparent or translucent or can become transparent or translucent under the control of active components. First panel 206 includes a first layer connected to and controlled by first electrical connection 316 .

First layer 722 is an active layer with variable light transmission properties, as described with respect to second layer 424 in FIG. The first layer 722 is controllable by a control signal applied to the first layer 722 using the first electrical connection 316 to change the light transmission through the first panel 206. The embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 4 in that the layer containing 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 illustrating a first exemplary structure of second panel 208. As shown in FIG. The second panel 208 is a laminated panel formed from transparent or translucent layers. In this embodiment, the second panel 208 includes, in order from top to bottom, a first layer 822, a first intermediate layer 823, a second layer 824, a second intermediate layer 825, and a third layer. 826, which are bonded together in a lamination process that includes, for example, the application of heat and pressure.

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

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

The second layer 824 is an edge-lit layer (eg, a light guide plate) that receives light from the edges of the second panel 208 . In the illustrated example, the light source 318 shines light onto the edge of the second layer 824 of the second panel. By way of example, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED) or an optical fiber carrying light from a remotely located LED or laser. Other layers of the second panel 208 may be covered at their edges by a mask 819 so that the light emitted by the light source 318 is not incident on them. Light emitted by light source 318 is transmitted to second layer 824 as a result of the different refractive index of second layer 824 compared to adjacent layers, such as first intermediate layer 823 and second intermediate layer 825. It will be carried out through. Features such as edges, grooves, etchings, surface patterning, or particles are formed or provided within the second layer 824 to direct light to the second layer in a desired manner. layer 824 to a third layer 826 .

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second exemplary structure of second panel 208. As shown in FIG. The second panel 208 is a laminated panel formed from transparent or translucent layers. In this embodiment, the second panel 208 includes, in order from top to bottom, a first layer 922, a first intermediate layer 923, a second layer 924, a second intermediate layer 925, and a third layer. 926, which are bonded together in a lamination process that includes, for example, the application of heat and pressure.

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

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

The second layer 924 is an edge-lit layer that receives light from the edges of the second panel 208. In the illustrated example, a light source 318, which may be a light emitting diode (LED), illuminates the edge of the second layer 924 of the second panel. Other layers of the second panel 208 may be covered at their edges by a mask 919 so that the light emitted by the light source 318 is not incident on them. Third layer 926 is similar to second layer 824 of FIG. 8 and may be constructed and implemented in the same manner. The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the layer containing the active components is the outer layer of the laminated structure.

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

First layer 1022 is an active layer that emits light, as described with respect to second layer 824 in FIG. The first layer 1022 is an edge-lit layer that receives light from the edges of the second panel 208, such as the light source 318, and the mask 1019 covers the light source 318 so that the light emitted from the light source 1 layer 1022 or into other structures other than through the edges of the first layer 1022. The embodiment of FIG. 10 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that the layer containing the active component is not part of a laminate structure that includes multiple translucent or transparent layers of glass and/or plastic.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fourth exemplary structure of second panel 208. FIG. The second panel 208 is a laminated panel formed from transparent or translucent layers. In this embodiment, the second panel 208 includes, in order from top to bottom, a first layer 1122, a first intermediate layer 1123, a second layer 1124, a second intermediate layer 1125, including a third layer 1126, a third intermediate layer 1127, a fourth layer 1128, a fourth intermediate layer 1129, and a fifth layer 1130, which may be susceptible to, for example, the application of heat and pressure. are bonded together in a lamination process that involves.

First layer 1122 and fifth layer 1130 are transparent layers of glass or plastic (eg, polycarbonate), as described with respect to first layer 822 and third layer 826 of FIG. Second layer 1124, third layer 1126, and fourth layer 1128 are active layers with controllable properties that affect light transmission and/or emission.

The second layer 1124 is a switchable mirror layer that can change state between a transparent or translucent state and a reflective state. As an example, a change in state may be induced by applying or ceasing to apply a voltage to at least a portion of second layer 1124. As an example, the second layer 1124 can incorporate a transition metal hydride electrochromic device with a reflective hydride that changes state between transparent or translucent and reflective upon application of a voltage. Other techniques can be used to implement switchable mirrors within the second layer 1124.

The third layer 1126 is an active layer that emits light. By way of example, the second layer may be a transparent light-guiding layer, an edge-lit layer, a transparent or translucent OLED display device, or a transparent or translucent micro-LED device.

The first layer 1122 is bonded to a second layer 1124 by a first intermediate layer 1123, the second layer 1124 is bonded to a third layer 1126 by a second intermediate layer 1125, and the third layer 1126 is bonded to a third layer 1126 by a second intermediate layer 1125. A third intermediate layer 1127 joins a fourth layer 1128 , which is joined to a fifth layer 1130 by a 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. It is.

It is to be understood that the details of the various embodiments herein may be combined in various ways. For example, panel assembly 104 may use any of the embodiments of first panel 206 (e.g., as in FIGS. 8-11) in combination with any of the embodiments of second panel 208 (e.g., as in FIGS. 8-11). 4 to 7). A further example of a controllable lighting panel structure that can be utilized as the second panel 208 is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/366, filed December 1, 2015, entitled "Transparent Structure with Controllable Lighting. , 686, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

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

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. First panel 1206 is positioned adjacent to first side 1201a of panel assembly 1204, and second panel 1208 is positioned adjacent to second side 1201b of panel assembly 1204. In the exemplary 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 include a single layer of glass or plastic, or a laminate including multiple layers bonded together in a lamination process that includes, for example, the application of heat and pressure. It may be a structure.

A spacer 1212 separates the first panel 1206 from the second panel 1208 to define a gap 1214 and is located at the outer periphery of the panel assembly 1204 or inwardly from the outer periphery of the panel assembly 1204. There may be cases. Gap 1214 may be under vacuum or filled with a gas or gas mixture. Spacer 1212 may be configured to function as a sealing structure that seals the space inside gap 1214 from the outside of panel assembly 1204.

First active component 1232 and second active component 1234 are positioned within gap 1214. A first electrical connector 1233 for the first active component 1232 and a second electrical connector 1235 for the second active component 1234 extend out from the panel assembly 1204 for connection to a controller or other system. You can. First active component 1232 and second active component 1234 each have controllable characteristics. Each of the first active component 1232 and the second active component 1234 may be, for example, a variable light transmission device or a lighting device. Examples of variable light transmission devices include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest-host liquid crystal devices. Examples of variable lighting devices include edge-lit panels (eg, light guide plates), LED panels, micro-LED panels, and display panels (eg, translucent OLED panels).

A first active component 1232 is mounted on the lower surface (facing the gap 1214 of the first panel 1206). As an example, first active component 1232 may be connected to first panel 1206 by a conventional adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). First active component 1232 is not part of the laminate structure of first panel 1206. In embodiments where the first panel 1206 is laminated, a lamination process is performed (e.g., including the application of heat and pressure to bond the multiple layers using an intermediate layer) and the first active component 1232 is then attached to first panel 1206.

A second active component 1234 is attached to the top surface of the second panel 1208 facing the gap 1214. As one example, second active component 1234 may be connected to second panel 1208 by conventional adhesive. Second active component 1234 is not part of the laminate structure of second panel 1208. In embodiments where the second panel 1208 is laminated, a lamination process is performed (e.g., including the application of heat and pressure to bond the multiple layers using an intermediate layer) and the second active component 1234 is then attached to first panel 1206.

Although the example shown in FIG. 12 includes both a first active component 1232 and a second active component 1234, the panel assembly 1204 may include either the first active component 1232 or the second active component 1234. It should be understood that one can include only one and omit the other.

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

Panel assembly 1304 includes a first panel 1306, a second panel 1308, a spacer 1312, a gap 1314, and a first active component 1332. First panel 1306 is positioned adjacent to first side 1301a of panel assembly 1304, and second panel 1308 is positioned adjacent to second side 1301b of panel assembly 1304. In the exemplary 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 include a single layer of glass or plastic, or a laminate including multiple layers bonded together in a lamination process that includes, for example, 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 a gap 1314 and is located at or inward from the perimeter of the panel assembly 1304 . There is. Gap 1314 may be under vacuum or filled with a gas or gas mixture. Spacer 1312 may be configured to function as a sealing structure that seals the space inside gap 1314 from the outside of panel assembly 1304.

First active component 1332 is positioned within gap 1314. A first electrical connector 1333 for the first active component 1332 may extend out from the panel assembly 1304 for connection to a controller or other system. The first active component 1332 has controllable characteristics. The first active component 1332 may be, for example, a variable light transmission device or a lighting device. Examples of variable light transmission devices include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest-host liquid crystal devices. Examples of variable lighting devices include edge-lit panels (eg, light guide plates), LED panels, micro-LED panels, and display panels (eg, translucent OLED panels).

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

Although the example shown in FIG. 13 includes a first active component 1332 and no other active components are shown, an additional active component (e.g., a second active component) may be provided within the gap 1314 to provide a similar Please understand that we can support you.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a panel assembly 1404 according to an alternative embodiment. Panel assembly 1404 is similar to panel assembly 1304 except as described herein. Panel assembly 1404 includes a first panel 1406, a second panel 1408, a spacer 1412, a gap 1414, a lighting device 1418, and a second panel, which in the illustrated example is an edge-lit panel (e.g., a light guide plate). one active component 1432 and a first electrical connector 1433 for the first active component 1432 . First panel 1406 is positioned adjacent to first side 1401a of panel assembly 1404, and second panel 1408 is positioned adjacent to second side 1401b of panel assembly 1404. In the exemplary 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 at or inward from the perimeter of the panel assembly 1404 . There is. The first active component 1432 extends through or between the 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 illumination optical fiber, is located outwardly from the spacer 1412. The outer edge of the first active component 1432 may be located outwardly from the outer edges 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 (e.g., attached with an adhesive) to one of the first panel 1406 or the second panel 1408 and attaches the spacer 1412 to the second panel. A gap 1414 may be defined on opposite sides of one active component 1432.

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

A spacer 1512 separates the first panel 1506 from the second panel 1508 to define a gap 1514 and is located on the outer periphery of one of the first panel 1506 or the second panel 1508 or on the inner side. It may be located in First active component 1532 extends beyond spacer 1512 and is located between spacer 1512 and second panel 1508 in the illustrated example. A lighting device 1518, such as an LED or a remote illumination optical fiber, may be located outwardly from the spacer 1512 and thus outside the gap 1514. A second active component 1534 is attached (eg, by adhesive) to the underside of the first panel 1506. A second active component 1534 is connected to a second electrical connector 1535 that extends beyond the spacer 1512 and may incorporate a bus bar attached to or formed on the underside of the first panel 1506. good.

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

A lighting device 1518 can be provided within an open area defined between frame 1502 and panel assembly 1504 and below first shoulder 1503a and second shoulder 1503b. An encapsulating material (not shown) may be provided around the outer periphery of the panel assembly 1504.

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

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

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

User interface device 1644 allows a user to change the manner in which lighting system 1640 operates and to set desired states of lighting system 1640. User interface device 1644 allows operating parameters of illumination device 1646 and variable light transmission device 1648 to be changed.

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

Variable light transmission device 1648 utilizes variable light transmission technology for the transmission of light through a structure that allows the transmission of light, such as a glass panel. Variable light transmission device 1648 can be operated by control signals, such as signals from controller 1642. The control signal causes the variable light transmission device 1648 to change the current light transmission characteristic, e.g., from a first light transmission value to a second light transmission value different from the first light transmission value, or from a first light transmission value to a second light transmission value different from the first light transmission value. state to a light reflecting (mirror) state. Technologies that may be used to implement variable light transmission device 1648 include suspended particle devices, electrochromic devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices, and guest-host liquid crystal devices.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example hardware configuration of a controller 1750 that may be used to implement controller 1642 and/or other portions of lighting system 1640. Controller 1750 can include a processor 1752, memory 1754, storage 1756, one or more input devices 1758, and one or more output devices 1760. These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus 1762 that allows communication between the components. Processor 1752 may be a conventional device, such as a central processing unit, and is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. Memory 1754 may be a volatile high speed short term information storage device such as a random access memory module. Storage device 1756 may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or solid state drive. Input device 1758 can include any type of human-machine interface, such as a button, switch, keyboard, mouse, touch screen input device, gesture input device, or audio input device (eg, microphone). Output device 1760 may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding operating status, such as a display screen or audio output.

Claims (17)

a first panel having an outer edge, the first panel having one or more layers and being optically transparent;
a second panel having an outer edge located inwardly with respect to the outer edge of the first panel, the second panel having one or more layers and having optical transparency;
The first panel engaging a first shoulder is supported by the first shoulder, and the second panel engaging a second shoulder is supported by the second shoulder. a frame defining a space between the first panel and the second panel;
a first active component disposed between the first panel and the second panel and having controllable light transmission properties;
A light transmissive panel assembly having: The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the first active component is attached to a surface of the first panel. 3. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second active component disposed between the first panel and the second panel and having controllable light emitting characteristics. 4. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 3, wherein the second active component is spaced apart from the first active component. 4. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 3, wherein the first active component is attached to a surface of the first panel and the second active component is attached to a surface of the second panel. 4. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 3, wherein the second active component further comprises a lighting device disposed outwardly with respect to the outer edge of the second panel. Any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising a spacer disposed between the first panel and the second panel to define the space between the first panel and the second panel. The light transmissive panel assembly described in Section 1. a first panel including a first transparent layer and a first active layer, wherein the first active layer has controllable light transmission properties;
a second panel including a second transparent layer and a second active layer, wherein the second active layer has controllable light emitting properties;
a space between the first panel and the second panel;
having a frame;
A light transmissive panel assembly, wherein the first panel is supported by engagement of the first panel and a shoulder of the frame, and the second panel is suspended from the first panel. 9. The light-transmissive panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the first active layer and the second active layer face each other with the space in between. The first transparent layer is disposed adjacent to an exterior space of a structure in which the light transmissive panel assembly is provided, and the second transparent layer is disposed adjacent an interior space of the structure. 10. The light-transmissive panel assembly according to item 8 or 9. 9. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 8, further comprising a spacer defining the space between the first panel and the second panel. 12. A light transmissive panel assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein an outer edge of the second panel is arranged inwardly with respect to an outer edge of the first panel. 9. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 1 or 8, wherein the space is filled with at least one of a liquid or a gel. 9. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the first active layer is variable between a translucent state and an opaque state. 9. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the first active layer is variable between a translucent state and a reflective state. 16. A light transmissive panel assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second active layer is an edge-lit glass panel containing a lighting device. the first active layer is a switchable mirror, the second active layer is a light-emitting component, and the switchable mirror, when in a reflective state, is a light-emitting component of the structure on which the light-transmitting panel assembly is provided. 9. The light transmissive panel assembly of claim 8, configured to increase the amount of light directed into the interior space.

Images