System to interconnect, link, and control variable transmission windows and variable transmission window constructions

• US 6,567,708 B1
• Filed: 07/25/2000
• Issued: 05/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Poll, David L., Bechtel, Jon H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo
• Assistant Examiner(s): FRANK, ELLIOT L
• Application Number:
  US09/624,792
• Time in Patent Office: 1,029 Days
• Field of Search: 700/2, 700/3, 700/9, 700/19, 700/20, 700/33, 359/275, 359/265, 521/733
• US Class Current: 700/19
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2009/2464 featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 9/24 Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blindsoperating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures E06B9/56; free-hanging flexible screens A47H23/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/163 Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cells; Circuit arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0421 Multiprocessor system
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2231 Master slave
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24024 Safety, surveillance
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2628 Door, window
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2642 Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2838 Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths adaptations of television systems for transmission by electric cable for domestic distribution H04N7/106; hybrid transport H04L12/6418; home network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/403 with centralised control, e.g. polling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2841 Wireless
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/285 Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/4026 Bus for use in automation systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/18 Network protocols supporting networked applications, e.g. including control of end-device applications over a network

Abstract

An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. To achieve these and other aspects and advantages, the electrical control system of the present invention comprises a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of the master control circuit. Each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit. Also disclosed are several window constructions that enable variable transmission windows, such as electrochromic windows, to be used in architectural windows having a moving sash. Also disclosed are several window constructions that enable variable transmission elements to be more easily installed and replaced.

Claims

1. An electrical control system for controlling the transmittance of a plurality of variable transmission windows, said control system comprising:

a master control circuit for supplying control signals that are capable of changing the transmittance levels of the variable transmission windows independent of ambient light conditions; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of said master control circuit, each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit.

3. The electrical control system of claim 1, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits are coupled by a pair of wires.

4. The electrical control system of claim 3, wherein said master control circuit supplies power to said window control circuits over said pair of wires.

5. The electrical control system of claim 4, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits perform bidirectional communication over said pair of wires.

6. The electrical control system of claim 3, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits perform bi-directional communication over said pair of wires.

7. The electrical control system of claim 1, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits are coupled by an ethernet link.

8. The electrical control system of claim 1 and further including a source of information useful in the control of the transmittance of the windows coupled to one of said window control circuits.

9. The electrical control system of claim 8, wherein said source of information includes a temperature sensor.

10. The electrical control system of claim 8, wherein said source of information includes a light sensor.

11. The electrical control system of claim 1, wherein one of said window control circuits is provided for each variable transmission window.

12. The electrical control system of claim 1, wherein one of said window control circuits is provided for each room having variable transmission windows.

13. The electrical control system of claim 1, wherein the variable transmission windows are electrochromic windows.

14. The electrical control system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said window control circuits includes a micro controller and a switching regulator circuit for supplying power to an associated variable transmission window, said switching regulator circuit is coupled to said micro controller and is responsive to signals received from said micro controller to selectively vary the power supplied to the variable transmission window.

16. The electrical control system of claim 1, wherein said master control circuit comprises:

a micro controller for generating signals representing a desired transmittance for the variable transmission window; and

a power switching circuit for supplying power to said window control circuits, said power switching circuit is coupled to said micro controller and is responsive to signals received from said micro controller to vary the power supplied to said window control circuits.

2. An electrical control system for controlling the transmittance of a plurality of variable transmission windows, said control system comprising:

a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels of the variable transmission windows; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of said master control circuit, each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits are coupled via a two-way data link.

15. An electrical control system for controlling the transmittance of a plurality of variable transmission windows, said control system comprising:

a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels of the variable transmission windows; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of said master control circuit, each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit, wherein said window control circuits each include a memory device in which an address is stored that uniquely identifies the window control circuit to said master control circuit.

17. An electrical control system for controlling the transmittance of a plurality of variable transmission windows, said control system comprising:

a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels of the variable transmission windows; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of said master control circuit, each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit,

wherein one of said master control circuit and said window control circuits is programmed to periodically cause at least one of the variable transmission windows to be in a high transmission state for a predetermined time period.

18. A building comprising:

a plurality of variable transmission windows;

a master control circuit for supplying control signals that are capable of changing the transmittance levels of said variable transmission windows independent of ambient light conditions; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to said master control circuit, each window control circuit controlling the transmittance of at least one of said variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit.

20. The building of claim 18, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits are coupled via a two-way data link.

21. The building of claim 18, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits are coupled via a low voltage power line pair.

22. The building of claim 21, wherein said master control circuit supplies power to said window control circuits over said pair of wires.

23. The building of claim 22, wherein said master control circuit and said window control circuits perform bidirectional communication over said pair of wires.

24. The building of claim 18, wherein said variable transmission windows are electrochromic windows.

19. A building comprising:

a plurality of variable transmission windows;

a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for said variable transmission windows; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to said master control circuit, each window control circuit controlling the transmittance of at least one of said variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit, wherein said window control circuits each include a memory device in which an address is stored that uniquely identifies the window control circuit to said master control circuit.

25. A building comprising:

a plurality of variable transmission windows;

a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for said variable transmission windows; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to said master control circuit, each window control circuit controlling the transmittance of at least one of said variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit,

wherein at least one of said variable transmission window comprising;

a window frame;

a sash mounted to said window frame so as to be movable relative to said window frame;

a variable transmission window element mounted in said sash;

a first electrical coupler mounted to said window frame and electrically coupled to one of said window control circuits; and

a second electrical coupler mounted to said sash and electrically coupled to said variable transmission window element, said second electrical coupler moves relative to said first electrical coupler and contacts said first electrical coupler to thereby enable said one of said window control circuits to transmit electrical signals to said variable transmission window element.

26. A building comprising:

a plurality of variable transmission windows;

a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for said variable transmission windows; and

a plurality of window control circuits coupled to said master control circuit, each window control circuit controlling the transmittance of at least one of said variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from said master control circuit,

wherein at least one of said variable transmission windows comprising;

a window frame assembly;

a variable transmission window element mounted in said window frame assembly;

a first electrical coupler mounted to said window frame assembly and electrically coupled to one of said window control circuits; and

a second electrical coupler mounted to said variable transmission window element,

wherein said first electrical coupler includes a resilient contact member biased towards said second electrical coupler.

27. The building of claim 26, wherein said resilient contact member includes a helical spring.

28. A window control circuit for controlling at least one variable transmission window in response to signals received from a master control circuit, said window control circuit comprising:

a micro controller coupled to receive the signals from the master control circuit; and

a switching regulator circuit for supplying power to the at least one variable transmission window, said switching regulator circuit is coupled to said micro controller and converts power derived from an AC power source and selectively varies the power supplied to the variable transmission window in response to signals received from said micro controller.

30. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a data extraction circuit coupled to said micro controller for receiving signals from the master control circuit that are transmitted over a communication link, and supplying data extracted from the signals to said micro controller.

31. The window control circuit of claim 30 and further including a power source circuit coupled to the communication link for generating power needed to control the variable transmission windows from the signal transmitted over the communication link.

32. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a pull-up circuit coupled to said micro controller and to a communication link to which the master control circuit is coupled, said micro controller controls said pull-up circuit to transmit signals to the master control circuit.

33. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including an over-voltage protection circuit coupled to an output of said switching regulator circuit for protecting the variable transmission window from over-voltage conditions.

34. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a current limiting circuit coupled to said switching regulator circuit for preventing excessive current from flowing through the variable transmission window.

35. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a temperature sensor coupled to said micro controller for supplying a temperature signal indicative of an internal air temperature proximate the variable transmission window, wherein said micro controller responds to said temperature signal by controlling said switching regulator circuit to vary the transmission of the variable transmission window.

36. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a light sensor coupled to said micro controller for supplying a light level signal indicative of a light level on the inside of the variable transmission window, wherein said micro controller responds to said light signal by controlling said switching regulator circuit to vary the transmission of the variable transmission window.

37. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including an input device coupled to said micro controller for receiving input from a user and supplying the input to said micro controller.

38. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a display coupled to said micro controller for displaying status information to a user.

39. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a receiver for receiving a command from a remote control device via a wireless communication link, said receiver is coupled to said micro controller to supply a control signal representing the received command, wherein said micro controller responds to the receipt of a control signal by causing said switching regulator circuit to vary the transmittance of the variable transmission window.

40. The window control circuit of claim 28 and further including a memory device in which an address is stored that uniquely identifies the window control circuit.

29. A window control circuit for controlling at least one variable transmission window in response to signals received from a master control circuit, said window control circuit comprising:

a micro controller coupled to receive the signals from the master control circuit; and

a switching regulator circuit for supplying power to the at least one variable transmission window, said switching regulator circuit is coupled to said micro controller and is responsive to signals received from said micro controller to selectively vary the power supplied to the variable transmission window,

wherein said micro controller monitors the current and voltage applied to the variable transmission window and controls said switching regulator circuit in response to the monitored current and voltage.

41. A master control circuit for supply control signals to a plurality of window control circuits that each controls the transmittance of at least one variable transmission window in response to the control signals, said master control circuit comprising:

a micro controller for generating signals representing a desired transmittance for the variable transmission window; and

a power switching circuit for supplying power to the window control circuits, said power switching circuit is coupled to said micro controller and converts power derived from an AC power source and selectively varies the power supplied to the window control circuits in response to signals received from said micro controller.

42. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a pull-up circuit coupled to said micro controller and to a communication link to which the at least one window control circuit is coupled, said micro controller controls said pull-up circuit to transmit signals to the at least one window control circuit.

43. The master control circuit of claim 42, wherein said pull-up circuit selectively increases the voltage of the power supplied by said power switching circuit to the at least one window control circuit.

44. The master control circuit of claim 42, wherein the control signal transmitted from said pull-up circuit to the at least one window control circuit includes an address uniquely identifying the window control circuit.

45. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a data extraction circuit coupled to said micro controller for receiving signals from the at least one window control circuit that are transmitted over a communication link, and supplying data extracted from the signals to said micro controller.

46. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a power source circuit coupled to an AC power line and said power switching circuit for generating power needed to operate both said master control circuit and the at least one window control circuit.

47. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a current limiting circuit coupled to said power switching circuit for preventing excessive current from being delivered to the at least one window control circuit.

48. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a temperature sensor coupled to said micro controller for supplying a temperature signal indicative of an internal air temperature, wherein said micro controller responds to said temperature signal by generating and transmitting control signals to the at least one window control circuit to thereby vary the transmission of the variable transmission window.

49. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a light sensor coupled to said micro controller for supplying a light level signal indicative of an interior light level, wherein said micro controller responds to said light signal by controlling said power switching circuit to vary the transmission of the variable transmission window.

50. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including an input device coupled to said micro controller for receiving input from a user and supplying the input to said micro controller.

51. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a display coupled to said micro controller for displaying information to a user.

52. The master control circuit of claim 41 and further including a receiver for receiving a command from a remote control device via a wireless communication link, said receiver is coupled to said micro controller to supply a control signal representing the received command, wherein said micro controller responds to the receipt of a control signal by causing the at least one window control circuit to vary the transmittance of the variable transmission window.