DE102008018149A1 - Control device for at least one electrochromic window, control system, means of transport and method for controlling an electrochromic window - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for at least one electrochromic window (100, 100.1, 100.2, 100 ',...) With means (106, 108) for generating a charging current in order to bring the window from a first to a second state, wherein the window is darker in the second state than in the first state, means (112, 116) for discharging the window to bring the window from the second state to the first state, wherein the discharge of the window by an emergency signal ( S1, S2) can be triggered.

Description

From the prior art, various types of electrochromic windows are known per se, which are differentiated according to the type of electrolyte used:
The electrolyte may be formed, for example, in the form of a polymer, a gel or as an inorganic layer. If the electrolyte is in solid form, it is also called "all-solid" electrochromic windows. Such all-solid electrochromic windows are for example off US 5,985,486 known in itself.

Out US 2007/0285759 A1 Furthermore, a control device for controlling the electrochromic windows of a means of transport, such as an aircraft, a bus or a railway carriage is known. The control device has a user interface which allows a user to adjust the degree of darkening of the window.

Of the The invention is based on the object, a improved control device for at least one electrochromic Window, a control system for one or more electrochromic Windows, a means of transport and a method of control to create at least one electrochromic window.

The The objects underlying the invention are each with the Characteristics of the independent claims solved. Embodiments of the invention are in the dependent Claims specified.

To Embodiments of the invention will be a control device created for at least one electrochromic window. The Control device has means for generating a charging current to to bring the window from a first to a second state, wherein the window is darker in the second state than in the first state Condition is, d. H. the window has a lower one in the second state Transmittance than in the first state.

Around This electrochromic effect is triggered by the window So charged with a charging current, for example, by a Supply voltage is applied. After the window in the second State has generally only flowed still a small amount of power to close the window in the second state Keep this low current to compensate for the window inherent leakage currents is used.

The Control device also has means for unloading the window, to move the window from the second state to the first state bring, with the discharge of the window by an emergency signal is triggerable.

This is particularly advantageous for applications of embodiments the control device according to the invention for Means of transport, such as aircraft, in particular passenger aircraft, Motor vehicles, such. As trucks, cars or buses, railway vehicles, watercraft and the same.

Under an "emergency signal" according to the invention each Understood signal indicating an emergency, such. Legs sensory recorded serious malfunction of the Means of transport or a manually entered signal. Even the absence a normally existing or periodically recurring one According to the invention, the signal can be an emergency signal represent as well as a failure of the operating voltage of the control device, in particular a failure of the voltage source.

there The invention is based on the recognition that it is occurring an emergency situation with regard to the operation of such means of transport Safety aspects is advantageous that the at least one electrochromic Window of the means of transport, which in normal operation more or less darkened, d. H. is in the second state as soon as possible in the first, not darkened state is brought to allow an optimal view.

For example becomes the cockpit glazing of a passenger plane in normal operation controlled so that the cockpit glazing in the second state located, d. H. more or less darkened. This is for the pilots in terms of comfort and ergonomics advantageous, for example as glare protection in case of strong sunlight. The invention but it is based on the knowledge that when an emergency situation occurs resign such comfort and ergonomic aspects and that in such an emergency situation a maximum view for safety reasons is advantageous. this will by the means for unloading the window allows which are formed so that the discharge of the window by an emergency signal can be triggered.

To an embodiment of the invention are the means for Discharge of the window designed to generate a short circuit, about the unloading of the window takes place.

Due to the short circuit, the discharge and thus the transition from the second state to the first state can be much faster than if only, for example, the supply voltage is switched off. If only the supply voltage is switched off, the discharge takes place gradually via leakage currents. Such a gradual discharge due to the leakage currents can last up to about one hour, with large disks even up to several days, whereas the discharge via the short circuit within a short time, ie within a few seconds, for example within two seconds at the most, preferably in less as a second, and for large slices, preferably within 10 seconds to 100 seconds.

To an embodiment of the invention are the means for Discharge designed so that the discharge of the window, a discharge voltage source is applied to the window. The direction of the discharge voltage is chosen so that the resulting voltage from the Voltage of the discharge voltage source and the charging voltage of the window is greater than the charging voltage, so the charge the window on the discharge voltage source even faster flows off, as this is due to the charging voltage alone the Case would have been. The unloading time can be so with help the discharge voltage source can be further shortened.

To an embodiment of the invention, the means for Discharge circuit means on to first and second window areas electrically interconnect so that a resulting Voltage results that are greater than the individual charging voltages is. For example, the resulting charging voltage results the sum of the individual charging voltages. The discharge current for discharge The first and second window areas may then be over, for example drain a short circuit faster due to the resulting charging voltage, as this has been the case due to the individual charging voltages would. This also allows the unloading time shorten further.

To an embodiment of the invention are the first and second window areas on the same electrochromic window. The first and second window areas can also open two or more different electrochromic windows formed be, for example, on adjacent electrochromic Windows.

To An embodiment of the invention has the control device a user interface for triggering the emergency signal by a user. For example, the user interface has a control, such as an emergency button, the User can press to indicate the presence of an emergency situation enter into the control device. The control device then generates the emergency signal to unload the window trigger.

alternative or additionally, the control device may include means for Detection of an emergency situation, which is used to generate the Emergency signal are formed. For example, one or more Sensors connected to the control device, wherein the sensors Provide data regarding the current operating condition of the means of transport. If this data indicates the existence of an emergency situation results, the emergency signal is generated to unload the windows.

For example can be a so-called pre-crash sensor with the control device be coupled. Such a pre-crash sensor gives a pre-crash signal if an imminent impact of the means of transport on a Obstacle is predicted by the pre-crash sensor. Such a pre-crash signal is then used by the control device as an emergency signal, to trigger the discharge of the window.

In In another aspect, the invention relates to a control system for several electrochromic windows. The control system has several control devices according to the invention, wherein each of the control devices is one or a group of associated with electrochromic window. A control device can communicate with the control devices via a message channel, such as a data bus, communicate. The control device is configured to pass the emergency signal to the control devices transmit the message channel so that the electrochromic Transition windows from their second states to the first state.

In In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for driving at least one electrochromic window, in particular a means of transport. The method has the following steps: receiving an emergency signal; Discharge of the at least one window, wherein the discharge by the Emergency signal is triggered.

To Embodiments of the invention Procedure may be the discharge via a short circuit or a discharge voltage source.

in the Further, embodiments of the invention will be referred to explained in more detail on the drawings. Show it:

1 a block diagram of a first embodiment of a control device according to the invention,

2 a block diagram of a second embodiment of a control device according to the invention,

3 an equivalent circuit diagram of 2 with respect to the discharge current,

4 a schematic plan view of an electrochromic window with first and second window areas,

5 a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system according to the invention,

6 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

elements the following figures, which correspond to each other, are with them Reference number marked.

The 1 shows an electrochromic window 100 , At the electrochromic window 100 it may, for example, a cockpit window of an aircraft, in particular a passenger plane, act around the windshield of a motor vehicle, the glazing of the cab of a locomotive or the like.

The electrochromic window 100 has connections 102 and 104 , When the electrochromic window 100 is discharged, and no voltage between the terminals 102 and 104 is in its first state, ie it is not darkened. If, however, a supply voltage UV between the terminals 102 and 104 is applied, so flows a charging current, which triggers the electrochromic effect, so that the window 100 is brought into its second darkened state. The degree of darkening of the window 100 in the second state may be fixed or adjustable via the voltage UV.

In the embodiment considered here, the supply voltage UV from a circuit 106 delivered, in turn, by a voltage source 108 is powered by, for example, 12 V DC. At the circuit 106 For example, it could be an electronically regulated power supply.

The voltage source 108 also serves to energize the excitation coil of a relay 110 , The relay 110 is designed so that its switch 112 is open, like that in the 1 is shown as long as its field coil is energized.

So if the voltage source 108 is off, so is the switch 112 closed, whereas the switch 112 is open when the voltage source 108 is turned on.

In normal operation is the voltage source 108 switched on, so the switch 112 is open and the supply voltage UV between the terminals 102 and 104 can be created to the window 100 to bring in his second state and to keep it there. In case of an emergency, the voltage source becomes 108 switched off by a corresponding emergency signal, so that the switch 112 is closed and thus a short circuit between the terminals 102 and 104 forms. Over this short circuit then flows the discharge current for fast discharge of the window 100 so that it returns immediately to its first state.

The 2 shows a further embodiment of a control device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the electrochromic window has a first electrochromic window area 100.1 and a second electrochromic window area 100.2 , The window areas 100.1 and 100.2 have corresponding connections 102.1 . 104.1 respectively. 102.2 and 104.2 to which the supply voltages UV1 and UV2 can be applied. The supply voltage UV1 is from the circuit 106.1 and the supply voltage UV2 from the circuit 106.2 delivered. Both circuits 106.1 and 106.2 be from the voltage source 108 energized.

In a normal operating condition, the excitation coil of the relay 110 through the voltage source 108 energized, as well as in the embodiment of 1 the case is. This will cause the switches 112 open, so that the supply voltages UV1 and UV2 to the window areas 100.1 respectively. 100.2 can be created.

When the voltage source 108 is turned off due to an emergency signal, so the switches 112 closed, so that in the 3 shown equivalent circuit diagram with respect to the outflow of the discharge current I. Due to the anti-parallel interconnection of the window areas 100.1 and 100.2 namely add up immediately after closing the switch 112 the supply voltages UV1 and UV2 to the resulting voltage U = UV1 + UV2, which causes the discharge current. Because of the switch 112 formed short circuit, this discharge current I flows quickly, so that the window areas 100.1 and 100.2 Within a short time, for example in the second range, go into their first state.

The 4 shows an embodiment of the electrochromic window 100 which the window areas 100.1 and 100.2 (See embodiment of the 2 ) having. The window areas 100.1 and 100.2 but can also each be formed by a single electrochromic window, in which case For example, two juxtaposed electrochromic windows using the circuit according to 2 be interconnected.

Instead of in the embodiments of the 1 and 2 shown relays 110 It is also possible to use a semiconductor switch, for example a field-effect transistor, in particular a MOSFET of the depletion type (MOSFET), for example of the "normally on" type. Namely, a semiconductor switch of the "normally on" type is closed when no voltage is applied to its gate electrode.

The 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system according to the invention for a plurality of electrochromic windows 100 . 100 ' , ...

To each of the electrochromic windows 100 . 100 ' , ... belongs a corresponding control device 114 . 114 ' , ...

The control device 114 has a semiconductor switch 116 , such as a field effect transistor, the relay 110 in the embodiments of 1 and 2 equivalent. The control device 114 also has a processor 118 for executing program instructions 120 , By executing the program instructions 120 become control signals for the semiconductor switch 116 generated to the semiconductor switch 116 to open or close. The same applies to the further, in principle the same design control devices 114 ' , ... The control device is powered by a voltage source (in the 5 not shown), as well as according to the embodiments of 1 and 2 the case is.

The control devices 114 . 114 ' , ... are via a bus 122 with a control device 124 connected. The control device 124 has at least one processor 126 for executing program instructions 128 ,

The control device 124 may be a signal S1 from at least one sensor 130 receive. At the sensor 130 it may be a sensor for detecting an operating condition, for example the means of transport, in which the control system of the 5 is installed.

For example, the signal S1 may be a temperature signal generated by execution of the program instructions 128 is evaluated. For example, if the temperature signal indicates an elevated operating temperature that represents a hazard, the program will generate 128 an emergency signal.

The sensor 130 However, it can also be designed such that the signal S1 is already an emergency signal. For example, it is the sensor 130 a so-called pre-crash sensor, which emits the signal S1 in the event of a predicted impact of the means of transport on an obstacle.

The control device 124 may alternatively or additionally a signal S2 from a user interface 132 receive. For example, a leader of the means of transport, such as the pilot, may operate by operating a user interface control 132 generate the signal S2 to indicate the presence of an emergency situation with respect to the control device 124 display.

If by execution of the program instructions 128 Based on the signals S1 and / or S2, the presence of an emergency situation is detected, or if the signals S1 and / or S2 is directly an emergency signal, then such an emergency signal from the program 128 over the bus 122 to the control devices 114 . 114 ' , ... transfer.

For example, the control device receives 114 the emergency signal by execution of the program instructions 120 , The program instructions 120 then generate a drive signal for the semiconductor switch 116 so that it closes to the terminals 102 and 104 short circuit, so that the discharge can flow, as in principle in the embodiments of 1 and 2 the case is. In principle, the same applies to the other control devices 114 ' , ..., which also create a short circuit between the terminals of the electrochromic window in question to discharge it.

The control device 124 may be wholly or partly an integral part of the control electronics of the means of transport.

The 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. In the step 200. the control unit is turned on, for example, on the occasion of the start of the means of transport. The controller may perform various test programs to test the various systems of the vehicle. After these tests have been successfully completed, the controller generates in the step 202 a switch-on signal, which is sent via the bus 122 (see. 5 ) to the control devices 114 is transmitted (step 204 ). The control devices then make it possible to apply supply voltages to the respective electrochromic windows in order to more or less darken them by opening the semiconductor switches.

In the step 206 an emergency situation is detected by the control device; This can be done either automatically based on the evaluation of various sensor signals or by receiving a corresponding input. Thereupon, in the step 208 generates an emergency signal which is transmitted as a shutdown signal via the bus to the control devices (step 210 ). These then change their switching state so that the discharge current of the windows can drain as quickly as possible, ie the semiconductor switch is closed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5985486 [0001]
• US 2007/0285759 A1 [0002]

Claims (19)

Control device for at least one electrochromic window ( 100 . 100.1 . 100.2 . 100 ' , ...) with - means ( 106 . 108 ) for generating a charging current to bring the window from a first to a second state, wherein the window in the second state is darker than in the first state, - means ( 112 . 116 ) for discharging the window to bring the window from the second state to the first state, wherein the discharge of the window by an emergency signal (S1, S2) can be triggered. A control device according to claim 1, wherein the Means for discharging the window to create a short circuit are formed, via which a discharge for discharging of the window can flow. A control device according to claim 1, wherein the Discharge means for applying a discharge voltage source the window are formed, wherein the direction of the discharge voltage is chosen so that the resulting voltage for Generation of the discharge current for discharging the window increases. Control device according to claim 1, wherein the means for discharging comprises circuit means ( 110 . 112 ) to first and second window areas ( 100.1 . 100.2 ) so that a resulting voltage for generating a discharge current for discharging the first and second window areas is greater than the charging voltages of the first and second window areas. A control device according to claim 4, wherein the resulting voltage is the sum of the charging voltages of the first and second window areas. A circuit device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second window areas connected in anti-parallel are. Control device according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the first and second window areas are on the same Windows or on different windows. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, with means ( 132 ) for triggering the emergency signal by a user. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, with means ( 128 . 130 ) for detecting an emergency situation, wherein the means for detecting an emergency situation for generating the emergency signal are formed. Control system for one or more electrochromic windows ( 100 . 100.1 . 100.2 . 100 ' , ...) with - one or more control devices ( 114 . 114 ' , ...) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the control devices is associated with at least one of the windows, - a message channel ( 122 ) for connecting the one or more of the control devices to a control device ( 124 ), wherein the control unit is designed to transmit the emergency signal via the message channel to the one or more control devices. The control system of claim 10, wherein the message channel is formed by a bus. Transportation with at least one electrochromic Window and with at least one control device after a of the preceding claims 1 to 9. The means of transport of claim 12, wherein the window is a cockpit window. The means of transport of claim 12, wherein the window is about a windshield. Means according to claim 12, 13 or 14, with several of the electrochromic windows in a passenger or passenger area. Method for controlling an electrochromic window ( 100 . 100.1 . 100.2 . 100 ' , ...), wherein the electrochromic window can reversibly transition from a first state to a second state, wherein the window is darker in the second state than in the first state, comprising the following steps: receiving an emergency signal when the window in the second state, discharge the window to bring it into the first state, wherein the discharge is triggered by the emergency signal. The method of claim 16, wherein a short circuit is formed, via which a discharge current for discharging the window flows. The method of claim 16, wherein a discharge voltage source is applied to the window, resulting in a resulting voltage resulting from a charging voltage of the window and the discharge voltage, which is greater than the charging voltage, wherein the resulting voltage is a discharge current for discharging the Window causes. A method according to claim 16, 17 or 18, where at first and second window areas of the same electrochromic window or different electrochromic windows are electrically connected together such that their charging voltages add to a resultant voltage, the resulting voltage causing a discharge current to discharge the first and second window areas