Patent Description:
This disclosure relates to glazing structures that include electrically controllable optically active material and, more particularly, to electrical driver arrangements for glazing structure systems.

Windows, doors, partitions, and other structures having controllable light modulation have been gaining popularity in the marketplace. These structures are commonly referred to as "smart" structures or "privacy" structures for their ability to transform from a transparent state in which a user can see through the structure to a private state in which viewing is inhibited through the structure. For example, smart windows are being used in high-end automobiles and homes and smart partitions are being used as walls in office spaces to provide controlled privacy and visual darkening.

A variety of different technologies can be used to provide controlled optical transmission for a smart structure. For example, electrochromic technologies, photochromic technologies, thermochromic technologies, suspended particle technologies, and liquid crystal technologies are all being used in different smart structure applications to provide controllable privacy. The technologies generally use an energy source, such as electricity, to transform from a transparent state to a privacy state or vice versa.

For systems that use electricity to control the transition between transparent and privacy states, an electrical driver is typically provided to control the electrical signal delivered to the privacy structure. The driver may condition the electrical signal delivered to the privacy structure to provide a controlled transition from one state to another state and/or to maintain the privacy structure in a stable optical state. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose privacy glazing structures having a spacer located between adjacent panes.

The invention is set out in claim <NUM>, to which reference should now be made. Additional, optional features are given in the dependent claims.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to electric driver arrangements for optical structures having electrically controllable light modulation. For example, an optical structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. The electrical driver may receive power from a power source, such as a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery and/or wall or mains power source. The electrical driver can condition the electricity received from the power source, e.g., by changing the frequency, amplitude, waveform, and/or other characteristic of the electricity received from the power source. The electrical driver can deliver the conditioned electrical signal to electrodes that are electrically coupled to the optically active material. In addition, in response to a user input or other control information, the electrical driver may change the conditioned electrical signal delivered to the electrodes and/or cease delivering electricity to the electrodes. Accordingly, the electrical driver can control the electrical signal delivered to the optically active material, thereby controlling the material to maintain a specific optical state or to transition from one state (e.g., a transparent state or scattering state) to another state.

In the present disclosure, the term privacy structure includes privacy cells, privacy glazing structures, smart cells, smart glazing structure, and related devices that provide controllable optical activity and, hence, visibility through the structure. Such structures can provide switchable optical activity that provides controllable darkening, controllable light scattering, or both controllable darkening and controllable light scattering. Controllable darkening refers to the ability of the optically active material to transition between a high visible light transmission state (a bright state), a low visible light transmission dark state, and optionally intermediate states therebetween, and vice versa, by controlling an external energy source applied to the optically active material. Controllable light scattering refers to the ability of the optically active material to transition between a low visible haze state, a high visible haze state, and optionally intermediate states therebetween, and vice versa, by controlling an external energy source. Thus, reference to the terms "privacy" and "privacy state" in the present disclosure does not necessarily require complete visible obscuring through the structure (unless otherwise noted). Rather, different degrees of privacy or obscuring through the structure may be achieved depending, e.g., on the type of optically active material used and the conditions of the external energy source applied to the optically active material.

<FIG> describe example electrical driver arrangements that may be used with a privacy structure. However, <FIG> describes an example privacy structure and <FIG> describes an embodiment of the invention that utilizes an electrical driver arrangement as described herein.

<FIG> is a side view of an example privacy glazing structure <NUM> that includes a first pane of transparent material <NUM> and a second pane of transparent material <NUM> with a layer of optically active material <NUM> bounded between the two panes of transparent material. The privacy glazing structure <NUM> also includes a first electrode layer <NUM> and a second electrode layer <NUM>. The first electrode layer <NUM> is carried by the first pane of transparent material <NUM> while the second electrode layer <NUM> is carried by the second pane of transparent material. In operation, electricity supplied through the first and second electrode layers <NUM>, <NUM> controls the optically active material <NUM> to control visibility through the privacy glazing structure.

As described in greater detail below, a driver is electrically connected to the first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM>, e.g., via wiring or other electrically conductive member extending between the driver and respective electrode layer. In operation, the driver conditions power received from a power source for controlling the layer of optically active material <NUM>, e.g., to maintain a specific optical state or to transition from one optical state to another optical state. The driver can have a variety of different arrangements and configurations relative to a privacy structure as described in greater detail herein.

Privacy glazing structure <NUM> can utilize any suitable privacy materials for the layer of optically active material <NUM>. Further, although optically active material <NUM> is generally illustrated and described as being a single layer of material, it should be appreciated that a structure in accordance with the disclosure can have one or more layers of optically active material with the same or varying thicknesses. In general, optically active material <NUM> is configured to provide controllable and reversible optical obscuring and lightening. Optically active material <NUM> can be an electronically controllable optically active material that changes direct visible transmittance in response to changes in electrical energy applied to the material.

In one example, optically active material <NUM> is formed of an electrochromic material that changes opacity or color tinting and, hence, light transmission properties, in response to voltage changes applied to the material. Typical examples of electrochromic materials are WO<NUM> and MoO<NUM>, which are usually colorless when applied to a substrate in thin layers. An electrochromic layer may change its optical properties by oxidation or reduction processes. For example, in the case of tungsten oxide, protons can move in the electrochromic layer in response to changing voltage, reducing the tungsten oxide to blue tungsten bronze. The intensity of coloration is varied by the magnitude of charge applied to the layer.

In another example, optically active material <NUM> is formed of a liquid crystal material. Different types of liquid crystal materials that can be used as optically active material <NUM> include polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials and polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) materials. Polymer dispersed liquid crystals usually involve phase separation of nematic liquid crystal from a homogeneous liquid crystal containing an amount of polymer, sandwiched between electrode layers <NUM> and <NUM>. When the electric field is off, the liquid crystals may be randomly oriented. This scatters light entering the liquid crystal and diffuses the transmitted light through the material. When a certain voltage is applied between the two electrode layers, the liquid crystals may homeotropically align and the liquid crystals increase in optical transparency, allowing light to transmit through the layer of liquid crystal material.

In the case of polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) materials, the material can either be a normal mode polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material or a reverse mode polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material. In a normal polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material, light is scattered when there is no electrical field applied to the material. If an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal, it turns to the homeotropic state, causing the liquid crystals to reorient themselves parallel in the direction of the electric field. This causes the liquid crystals to increase in optical transparency and allows light to transmit through the liquid crystal layer. In a reverse mode polymer stabilized cholesteric texture material, the liquid crystals are transparent in the absence of an electric field (e.g., zero electric field) but light scattering upon application of an electric field.

In one example in which the layer of optically active material <NUM> is implemented using liquid crystals, the optically active material includes liquid crystals and a dichroic dye to provide a guest-host liquid crystal mode of operation. When so configured, the dichroic dye can function as a guest compound within the liquid crystal host. The dichroic dye can be selected so the orientation of the dye molecules follows the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. In some examples, when an electric field is applied to the optically active material <NUM>, there is little to no absorption in the short axis of the dye molecule, and when the electric field is removed from the optically active material, the dye molecules absorb in the long axis. As a result, the dichroic dye molecules can absorb light when the optically active material is transitioned to a scattering state. When so configured, the optically active material may absorb light impinging upon the material to prevent an observer on one side of privacy glazing structure <NUM> from clearly observing activity occurring on the opposite side of the structure.

When optically active material <NUM> is implemented using liquid crystals, the optically active material may include liquid crystal molecules within a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may or may not be cured, resulting in a solid or liquid medium of polymer surrounding liquid crystal molecules. In addition, in some examples, the optically active material <NUM> may contain spacer beads (e.g., micro-spheres), for example having an average diameter ranging from <NUM> micrometers to <NUM> micrometers, to maintain separation between the first pane of transparent material <NUM> and the second pane of transparent material <NUM>.

In another example in which the layer of optically active material <NUM> is implemented using a liquid crystal material, the liquid crystal material turns hazy when transitioned to the privacy state. Such a material may scatter light impinging upon the material to prevent an observer on one side of privacy glazing structure <NUM> from clearly observing activity occurring on the opposite side of the structure. Such a material may significantly reduce regular visible transmittance through the material (which may also be referred to as direct visible transmittance) while only minimally reducing total visible transmittance when in the privacy state, as compared to when in the light transmitting state. When using these materials, the amount of scattered visible light transmitting through the material may increase in the privacy state as compared to the light transmitting state, compensating for the reduced regular visible transmittance through the material. Regular or direct visible transmittance may be considered the transmitted visible light that is not scattered or redirected through optically active material <NUM>.

Another type of material that can be used as the layer of optically active material <NUM> is a suspended particle material. Suspended particle materials are typically dark or opaque in a non-activated state but become transparent when a voltage is applied. Other types of electrically controllable optically active materials can be utilized as optically active material <NUM>, and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

Independent of the specific type of material(s) used for the layer of optically active material <NUM>, the material can change from a light transmissive state in which privacy glazing structure <NUM> is intended to be transparent to a privacy state in which visibility through the insulating glazing unit is intended to be reduced. Optically active material <NUM> may exhibit progressively decreasing direct visible transmittance when transitioning from a maximum light transmissive state to a maximum privacy state. Similarly, optically active material <NUM> may exhibit progressively increasing direct visible transmittance when transitioning from a maximum privacy state to a maximum transmissive state. The speed at which optically active material <NUM> transitions from a generally transparent transmission state to a generally opaque privacy state may be dictated by a variety factors, including the specific type of material selected for optically active material <NUM>, the temperature of the material, the electrical voltage applied to the material, and the like.

Depending on the type of material used for optically active material <NUM>, the material may exhibit controllable darkening. As noted above, controllable darkening refers to the ability of the optically active material to transition between a high visible light transmission state (a bright state), a low visible light transmission dark state, and optionally intermediate states therebetween, and vice versa, by controlling an external energy source applied to the optically active material. When optically active material <NUM> is so configured, the visible transmittance through the cell formed by flexible material <NUM>, optically active material <NUM>, and second pane of transparent material <NUM> may be greater than <NUM>% when optically active material <NUM> is transitioned to the high visible transmission state light state, such as greater than <NUM>%. By contrast, the visible transmittance through the cell may be less than <NUM> percent when optically active material <NUM> is transitioned to the low visible light transmission dark state, such as less than <NUM>%. Visible transmittance can be measured according to ASTM D1003-<NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, optically active material <NUM> may exhibit controllable light scattering. As noted above, controllable light scattering refers to the ability of the optically active material to transition between a low visible haze state, a high visible haze state, and optionally intermediate states therebetween, and vice versa, by controlling an external energy source. When optically active material <NUM> is so configured, the transmission haze through the cell formed by flexible material <NUM>, optically active material <NUM>, and second pane of transparent material <NUM> may be less than <NUM>% when optically active material <NUM> is transitioned to the low visible haze state, such as less than <NUM>%. By contrast, the transmission haze through the cell may be greater than <NUM>% when optically active material <NUM> is transitioned to the high visible haze state and have a clarity value below <NUM>%, such as a transmission haze greater than <NUM>% and a clarity value below <NUM>%. Transmission haze can be measured according to ASTM D1003-<NUM>. Clarity can be measured using a BYK Gardener Haze-Gard meter, commercially available from BYK-GARDNER GMBH.

To electrically control optically active material <NUM>, privacy glazing structure <NUM> in the example of <FIG> includes first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM>. Each electrode layer may be in the form of an electrically conductive coating deposited on or over the surface of each respective pane facing the optically active material <NUM>. For example, first pane of transparent material <NUM> may define an inner surface 24A and an outer surface 24B on an opposite side of the pane. Similarly, second pane of transparent material <NUM> may define an inner surface 26A and an outer surface 26B on an opposite side of the pane. First electrode layer <NUM> can be deposited over the inner surface 24A of the first pane, while second electrode layer <NUM> can be deposited over the inner surface 26A of the second pane. The first and second electrode layers <NUM>, <NUM> can be deposited directed on the inner surface of a respective pane or one or more intermediate layers, such as a blocker layer, and be deposited between the inner surface of the pane and the electrode layer.

Each electrode layer <NUM>, <NUM> may be an electrically conductive coating that is a transparent conductive oxide ("TCO") coating, such as aluminum-doped zinc oxide and/or tin-doped indium oxide. The transparent conductive oxide coatings can be electrically connected to a driver as described in greater detail below. In some examples, the transparent conductive coatings forming electrode layers <NUM>, <NUM> define wall surfaces of a cavity between first pane of transparent material <NUM> and second pane of transparent material <NUM> which optically active material <NUM> contacts. In other examples, one or more other coatings may overlay the first and/or second electrode layers <NUM>, <NUM>, such as a dielectric overcoat (e.g., silicon oxynitride). In either case, first pane of transparent material <NUM> and second pane of transparent material <NUM>, as well as any coatings on inner faces 24A, 26A of the panes can form a cavity or chamber containing optically active material <NUM>.

The panes of transparent material forming privacy glazing structure <NUM>, including first pane <NUM> and second pane of transparent material <NUM>, and be formed of any suitable material. Each pane of transparent material may be formed from the same material, or at least one of the panes of transparent material may be formed of a material different than at least one other of the panes of transparent material. In some examples, at least one (and optionally all) the panes of privacy glazing structure <NUM> are formed of glass. In other examples, at least one (and optionally all) the privacy glazing structure <NUM> are formed of plastic such as, e.g., a fluorocarbon plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester. When glass is used, the glass may be aluminum borosilicate glass, sodium-lime (e.g., sodium-lime-silicate) glass, or another type of glass. In addition, the glass may be clear or the glass may be colored, depending on the application. Although the glass can be manufactured using different techniques, in some examples the glass is manufactured on a float bath line in which molten glass is deposited on a bath of molten tin to shape and solidify the glass. Such an example glass may be referred to as float glass.

In some examples, first pane <NUM> and/or second pane of transparent material <NUM> may be formed from multiple different types of materials. For example, the substrates may be formed of a laminated glass, which may include two panes of glass bonded together with a polymer such as polyvinyl butyral. Additional details on privacy glazing substrate arrangements that can be used in the present disclosure can be found in <CIT>.

Privacy glazing structure <NUM> can be used in any desired application, including in a door, a window, a wall (e.g., wall partition), a skylight in a residential or commercial building, or in other applications. To help facilitate installation of privacy glazing structure <NUM>, the structure may include a frame <NUM> surrounding the exterior perimeter of the structure (which also may be referred to as a sash). In different examples, frame <NUM> may be fabricated from wood, metal, or a plastic material such as vinyl. Frame <NUM> may define a channel <NUM> that receives and holds the external perimeter edge of structure <NUM>. The sightline through privacy glazing structure <NUM> is generally established as the location where frame <NUM> ends and visibility through privacy glazing structure <NUM> begins.

In the example of <FIG>, privacy glazing structure <NUM> is illustrated as a privacy cell formed of two panes of transparent material bounding optically active material <NUM>. In other configurations, privacy glazing structure <NUM> may be incorporated into a multi-pane glazing structure that include a privacy cell having one or more additional panes separated by one or more between-pane spaces. <FIG> is a side view of an configuration as according to the invention in which privacy glazing structure <NUM> from <FIG> is incorporated into a multi-pane insulating glazing unit having a between-pane space.

As shown in <FIG>, a multi-pane privacy glazing structure <NUM> includes privacy glazing structure <NUM> separated from an additional (e.g., third) pane of transparent material <NUM> by a between-pane space <NUM> by a spacer <NUM>. Spacer <NUM> may extend around the entire perimeter of multi-pane privacy glazing structure <NUM> to hermetically seal the between-pane space <NUM> from gas exchange with a surrounding environment. To minimize thermal exchange across multi-pane privacy glazing structure <NUM>, between-pane space <NUM> can be filled with an insulative gas or even evacuated of gas. For example, between-pane space <NUM> may be filled with an insulative gas such as argon, krypton, or xenon. In such applications, the insulative gas may be mixed with dry air to provide a desired ratio of air to insulative gas, such as <NUM> percent air and <NUM> percent insulative gas. In other examples, between-pane space <NUM> may be evacuated so that the between-pane space is at vacuum pressure relative to the pressure of an environment surrounding multi-pane privacy glazing structure <NUM>.

Spacer <NUM> can be any structure that holds opposed substrates in a spaced apart relationship over the service life of multi-pane privacy glazing structure <NUM> and seals between-pane space <NUM> between the opposed panes of material, e.g., so as to inhibit or eliminate gas exchange between the between-pane space and an environment surrounding the unit. A spacer that is used as spacer <NUM> is a tubular spacer positioned between first pane of transparent material <NUM> and third pane of transparent material <NUM>. The tubular spacer may define a hollow lumen or tube which, in some examples, is filled with desiccant. The tubular spacer may have a first side surface adhered (by a first bead of sealant) to the outer surface 24B of first pane of transparent material <NUM> and a second side surface adhered (by a second bead of sealant) to third pane of transparent material <NUM>. A top surface of the tubular spacer can be exposed to between-pane space <NUM> and, in some examples, includes openings that allow gas within the between-pane space to communicate with desiccating material inside of the spacer. Such a spacer can be fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel, a thermoplastic, or any other suitable material. Advantageous glazing spacers are available commercially from Allmetal, Inc. of Itasca, IL, U.

Another example of a spacer that can be used as spacer <NUM> is a spacer formed from a corrugated metal reinforcing sheet surrounded by a sealant composition. The corrugated metal reinforcing sheet may be a rigid structural component that holds first pane of transparent material <NUM> apart from third pane of transparent material <NUM>. Such a spacer is often referred to in commercial settings as swiggle spacer. In yet another example, spacer <NUM> may be formed from a foam material surrounded on all sides except a side facing a between-pane space with a metal foil. Such a spacer is commercially available from Edgetech under the trade name Super Spacer®. As another example, spacer <NUM> may be a thermoplastic spacer (TPS) spacer formed by positioning a primary sealant (e.g., adhesive) between first pane of transparent material <NUM> and third pane of transparent material <NUM> followed, optionally, by a secondary sealant applied around the perimeter defined between the substrates and the primary sealant. Spacer <NUM> can have other configurations, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Depending on application, first pane of transparent material <NUM>, second pane of transparent material <NUM>, and/or third pane of transparent material <NUM> (when included) may be coated with one or more functional coatings to modify the performance of privacy structure. Example functional coatings include, but are not limited to, low-emissivity coatings, solar control coatings, and photocatalytic coatings. In general, a low-emissivity coating is a coating that is designed to allow near infrared and visible light to pass through a pane while substantially preventing medium infrared and far infrared radiation from passing through the panes. A low-emissivity coating may include one or more layers of infrared-reflection film interposed between two or more layers of transparent dielectric film. The infrared-reflection film may include a conductive metal like silver, gold, or copper. Advantageous low-emissivity coatings include the LoE-<NUM>™, LoE-<NUM>™, and LoE-<NUM>™ coatings available commercially from Cardinal CG Company of Spring Green, Wisconsin, U. A photocatalytic coating, by contrast, may be a coating that includes a photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide. In use, the photocatalyst may exhibit photoactivity that can help self-clean, or provide less maintenance for the panes. Advantageous photocatalytic coatings include the NEAT® coatings available from Cardinal CG Company.

As briefly mentioned above, the panes of transparent material forming privacy glazing structure <NUM>, whether implemented alone or in the form of multiple-pane structure with a between-pane space, can carry a first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM> for controlling optically active material <NUM>. The first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM> can be electrically coupled to a driver that conditions power received from a power source to control optical active material <NUM>. <FIG> is a block diagram of an example driver configuration that can be used to condition electricity supplied to privacy glazing structure <NUM>.

As shown in the example of <FIG>, a driver <NUM> can be electrically coupled to privacy glazing structure <NUM> via an electrical linkage <NUM>. Driver <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, an output circuit <NUM>, and a power source <NUM>. Some or all of the components of driver <NUM> may be contained in a housing <NUM>. Controller <NUM> can communicate with the other components of driver <NUM> to manage the overall operation of the driver. In some examples, controller <NUM> receives input from a user interface and/or sensor to control conditioning of the electrical signal received from power source <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may include a processor and memory. The processor can run software stored in memory to perform functions attributed to controller <NUM>. The memory can provide non-transitory storage of software used by and data used or generated by controller <NUM>.

Communication module <NUM> can be implemented using a wired and/or wireless interface to communicate between controller <NUM> and the external environment. Communication module <NUM> may be used to send status information from driver <NUM> to an external computing device and/or to receive information concerning how driver <NUM> should be controlled. For example, driver <NUM> may be communicatively coupled via communication module <NUM> with a smart home computing system and/or a wireless module that would enable smart device control remotely. Example communication protocols that communication module <NUM> may communicate over include, but are not limited to, Ethernet (e.g., TCP/IP), RS232, RS485, and common bus protocols (e.g., CAN).

Output circuit <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a driver circuit, can take control signals from controller <NUM> and power signals from power source <NUM> and generate a conditioned electrical signal supplied to privacy glazing structure <NUM>. For example, the control signals received from controller <NUM> may dictate the frequency, amplitude, waveform, and/or other signal properties of the conditioned electrical signal to be supplied to privacy glazing structure <NUM> to control optically active material <NUM>. Output circuit <NUM> can condition the power signal received from power source <NUM> using the control signal information received from controller <NUM>. In some examples, output circuit <NUM> may generate feedback signals returned to controller <NUM> providing information for maintenance and/or status monitoring.

Power source <NUM> may be implemented using any source or combination of sources of electrical power to control privacy glazing structure <NUM>. Power source <NUM> may be a battery source having a finite capacity and/or be a continuous source having an infinite capacity (e.g., wall or mains power, a direct current power source such as power over Ethernet (POE)). When configured with one or more batteries, the batteries may be rechargeable and/or replaceable. Examples of power source <NUM> include, but are not limited to, 115Vac or 240Vac, 12Vdc, <NUM> Vdc, and combinations thereof. Power source <NUM> may or may not be located inside of driver housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, depending on the manner in which the power source is implemented in the system.

To control driver <NUM>, the privacy system may include a user interface <NUM>. User interface <NUM> may be wired or wirelessly connected to controller <NUM>. User interface <NUM> may include a switch, buttons, touch screen display, and/or other features with which a user can interact to control privacy glazing structure <NUM>. In operation, a user may interact with user interface <NUM> to change the degree of privacy provided by privacy glazing structure <NUM>. For example, the user may interact with user interface <NUM> to change privacy glazing structure <NUM> from a scattering or privacy state to a transparent or visible state, or vice versa, and/or the user may change to degree of privacy provided along a continuously variable spectrum. Information received from user interface <NUM> can be used by controller <NUM>, e.g., with reference to information stored in memory, to control the electrical signal supplied to privacy glazing structure <NUM> by driver <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a driver assembly that is used with privacy glazing <NUM> to discretely locate the driver relative to the glazing. In particular, <FIG> illustrates driver <NUM> contained within a spacer key <NUM> joining opposed ends of spacer <NUM> together. As mentioned above in connection with <FIG>, spacer <NUM> may surround the perimeter of glazing assembly <NUM> to define a hermetically sealed between-pane space. Spacer <NUM> is formed of a unitary spacer member having two opposed ends <NUM> and <NUM> that join together at opposite ends of the single spacer member by spacer key <NUM>. Alternatively, spacer <NUM> may include multiple spacer segments each joined together with spacer keys. In either case, spacer key <NUM> may be formed of a section of material of the same or different composition than spacer <NUM>. Spacer key <NUM> is inserted into opposed ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the spacer to join the spacer together and form a closed structure extending around the perimeter of the glazing assembly. For example, spacer key <NUM> can have a cross-sectional size and/or substantially equivalent to spacer <NUM>, e.g., with a first end <NUM> size and shape indexed to fit inside first end <NUM> of the spacer and a second end <NUM> size and shape indexed to fit inside second end <NUM> of the spacer.

Spacer <NUM> may define a hollow lumen or tube which, in some examples, is filled with desiccant (not illustrated). In some examples, the top surface of the tubular spacer includes openings that allow gas within between-pane space <NUM> (<FIG>) to communicate into the lumen. When the tubular spacer is filled with desiccating material, gas communication between the between-pane space and desiccant in the lumen can help remove moisture from within the between-pane space, helping to prevent condensation between the panes.

For example, spacer <NUM> may be a rigid tubular structure that holds one pane of transparent material (e.g., <NUM>) a fixed distance from another pane of material (e.g., <NUM>) over the service life of unit. In different examples, spacer <NUM> is fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel, a thermoplastic, or any other suitable material. In some examples, spacer <NUM> defines a W-shaped cross-section (e.g., in the X-Z plane), but can define any polygonal (e.g., square, hexagonal) or arcuate (e.g., circular, elliptical) shape, or even combinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes.

Independent of the specific configuration of spacer <NUM>, spacer key <NUM> can be a component that bridges the gap between the opposed ends <NUM>, <NUM> of spacer <NUM>, which may be ends of a single, unitary spacer body or ends of different individual spacer members. The ends <NUM>, <NUM> of spacer key <NUM> may include projections, detents, or other mechanical engagement features to help keep the spacer key retained in spacer <NUM> once inserted. In some examples, spacer key <NUM> is formed of a polymeric material while spacer <NUM> is formed of metal, although other materials can be used.

In the configuration of <FIG>, spacer key <NUM> contains driver <NUM>. Spacer key <NUM> may form the driver housing <NUM> in which various components defining the driver are inserted and housed. Alternatively, driver <NUM> may include a separate driver housing <NUM> that is insertable into a space or cavity inside of spacer key <NUM>. In some examples, spacer key <NUM> includes a close top surface <NUM> that faces between-pane space <NUM>, when the spacer key and spacer are assembled to define the between-pane space. Spacer key <NUM> may include an opening in bottom surface <NUM> that provides access to an internal cavity of the spacer key. When so configured, driver <NUM> can be inserted into spacer key <NUM> through the opening in bottom surface of the key, e.g., before or after inserting the spacer key into opposed ends <NUM>, <NUM> of spacer.

<FIG> are side view illustrations showing example configurations of spacer key <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, driver <NUM> is contained within an interior cavity of spacer key <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the bottom surface <NUM> of spacer key <NUM> is offset relative to the bottom surface of spacer <NUM>, providing a spacer key gap region in which driver <NUM> can be inserted and attached to the spacer key. In either configuration, a sealant layer <NUM> may be positioned across the entire bottom surface of spacer key <NUM> and driver <NUM> contained therein, e.g., extending over the joints where the spacer key joins spacer <NUM> (<FIG>). Alternatively, sealant layer <NUM> may be positioned over the joints where the spacer key joins spacer <NUM> without extending across the entire bottom surface (<FIG>). The sealant layer <NUM> may be one or more polymeric and/or metal layers the inhibit gas diffusion. For example, sealant layer <NUM> may be a metal foil tape with adhesive backing to hold the metal foil to the surfaces of spacer <NUM> and spacer key <NUM>.

In some examples, one or more polymeric sealant layers are positioned around spacer <NUM> and may or may not be positioned around spacer key <NUM> as well. For example, a two-part sealant system may be used that includes a primary sealant positioned in contact with spacer <NUM> and a secondary sealant overlaying the primary sealant. Example materials that may be used as the primary sealant include, but are not limited to, extrudable thermoplastic materials, butyl rubber sealants (e.g., polyisobutylene-based thermoplastics), polysulfide sealants, and polyurethane sealants. In some examples, the primary sealant is formed from a butyl rubber sealant that includes silicone functional groups or a polyurethane sealant that includes silicone functional groups. Example materials that may be used as the secondary sealant include acrylate polymers, silicone-based polymers, extrudable thermoplastic materials, butyl rubber sealants (e.g., polyisobutylene-based thermoplastics), polysulfide sealants, polyurethane sealants, and silicone-based sealants. For example, the secondary sealant may be a silicone-based sealant.

In some examples, electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> extend from driver <NUM> (for example through a wall surface of spacer key <NUM>) to electrically connect the driver to first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM>, respectively. If connected to a wall power source, an electrical conductor may extend from the power source to driver <NUM>, e.g., through a wall surface of spacer key <NUM>.

By configuring spacer key <NUM> with driver functionality, the driver may be positioned in close proximity to the electrodes of privacy glazing structure <NUM> to which the driver delivers a conditioned electrical signal. In addition, the driver may be discretely located in a visually unobtrusive space for the typical user. Moreover, by utilizing spacer key <NUM> as real estate for the driver, the driver may be readily installed by the manufacturer of privacy glazing structure, e.g., before shipping to a downstream fabricator that incorporates the structure in frame <NUM> or other desired end user package.

<FIG> is an illustration of another example driver assembly that can be used with privacy glazing <NUM> to discretely locate the driver relative to the glazing. In particular, <FIG> illustrates a front face view of privacy glazing <NUM> showing the glazing with an example muntin bar or grill structure <NUM>.

For aesthetic reasons, some privacy glazing structures such as windows or doors may include muntin bars. The muntin bars, which may also be called glazing bars or sash bars, divide a single window into a grid system of small panes of glass, called lites. Typical muntin bar patterns include grids of rectangles, squares, or diamonds. Muntin bars create the visual appearance that the window is formed of multiple, small pieces of glass joined together by the muntin bars instead of large, unitary panes of glass. This replicates the appearance of early windows and doors, which were formed of small panes of glass joined together instead of large unitary panes of glass, which were more expensive and difficult to manufacture. In different examples, the muntin bars can be located inside of a between-pane space <NUM> (in configurations where the assembly includes a between-pane space) or on a surface of privacy glazing structure accessible from an external environment (which may be an exterior environment exposed to natural elements or an interior environment of a building).

In different examples, muntin bars may be formed of a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel), a polymer (e.g., vinyl), wood, or other material. Muntin bars can be of any size and can have any cross-sectional shape. For example, muntin bars can have any polygonal cross-sectional shape (e.g., square, rectangle), arcuate cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, elliptical), or combinations of polygonal and arcuate shape. In some examples, muntin bars <NUM> have a contoured profile with a rectangular center that tapers toward the top and bottom of the stock along the height of the muntin bar. Depending on the style of muntin bar grid being fabricated, different muntin bar segments may be joined together, e.g., using notched joints such as half-lap joins, with or without the addition of joining keys.

Independent of the location of muntin bars <NUM>, in the example of <FIG>, driver <NUM> is contained within the muntin bar structure. One or more individual muntin bar segments forming a grid structure may define the driver housing <NUM> in which various components defining the driver are inserted and housed. Alternatively, driver <NUM> may include a separate driver housing <NUM> that is insertable into a space or cavity inside of one or more muntin bar segments. In either case, one or more of the muntin bars may include an opening defining a cavity in which driver <NUM> or components thereof can be placed in the muntin bar(s). The opening may be closed with a cover or seal, which may or may not be formed of the same material from which the muntin bars are fabricated, and may include any of the seal / seal layer materials discussed above. In some examples, the opening is on a face positioned in contact with the pane of transparent material against which muntin bars <NUM> are positioned. This may cause the opening, or any cover thereof, to be obscured when the muntin bars are positioned against the face of the pane of transparent material to visually divide the pane into a plurality of individual lites.

In some examples, electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> extend from driver <NUM> to electrically connect the driver to first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM>, respectively. For example, the electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> may extend through a hollow lumen formed through muntin bars <NUM> to an edge of privacy glazing structure <NUM> where electrical connections are made between the driver and electrode layers. If connected to a wall power source, an electrical conductor may extend from the power source to driver <NUM>, e.g., through a lumen extending through muntin bars <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of another example driver assembly that can be used with privacy glazing <NUM> to discretely locate the driver relative to the glazing. In the example of <FIG>, driver <NUM> is installed within a wall-mounted gang box <NUM> configured to be located outside of and physically spaced from privacy glazing structure <NUM>. Wall-mounted gang box <NUM> may be a box enclosed on five sides and open on a sixth, front side. Wall-mounted gang box <NUM> can be fabricated from metal or plastic and may or may not have integrated mechanical fasteners <NUM>, such as securing apertures with pre-installed nails or screws, for securing the gang box to a wall stud of a building.

<FIG> are illustrations of example single and double gang box structures, respectively, that may be used for mounting a driver to control privacy glazing structure <NUM> according to the disclosure. While dimensions of the gang box may vary, in some examples, gang box <NUM> has a height ranging from <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (approximately <NUM> to <NUM>) (e.g., <NUM> inches (approximately <NUM>)), a width ranging from <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (approximately <NUM> to <NUM>) (e.g., <NUM> inches (approximately <NUM>)), and a depth ranging from <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (approximately <NUM> to <NUM>), such as from <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (approximately <NUM> to <NUM>).

Gang box <NUM> may have power entering the gang box from a power source, which is illustrated as being implemented using three electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., positive, negative, ground). The electrical conductors communicating with the power source can be electrically connected to driver <NUM> within gang box <NUM>. In addition, electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from driver <NUM> and gang box <NUM> to electrically connect the driver to first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM>, respectively. For example, the electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from gang box <NUM>, through a lumen passing through one or more studs forming a wall in which privacy glazing structure <NUM> is mounted, and/or through a frame or sash surrounding the privacy glazing structure to electrically connect with electrode layers <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some examples, driver <NUM> is mounted within gang box <NUM> and user interface <NUM> is also mounted in the gang box, e.g., over the driver. The user interface <NUM> can be connected to driver <NUM> in the gang box <NUM> and used to control conditioned electrical signals supplied by the driver to the privacy glazing structure. For example, driver <NUM> may have user interface contacts <NUM> on a front surface of the driver that are configured to connect to user interface <NUM>, when the user interface is installed in the gang box. In different examples, user interface <NUM>, which is illustrated as being a light or toggle-style switch, can be physically separate from and connectable to driver or can be integrated with the driver to form an integrated driver-gang-box assembly. For example, <FIG> is a side view illustration of an example integrated driver-gang-box assembly where user interface <NUM> is not separate from driver <NUM>. Accordingly driver <NUM> need not be mounted in separate gang box but may be sized consistent with the size of a gang box for direct mounting to a stud. In addition, although user interface <NUM> is illustrated as a toggle or rocker switch, other types of user interfaces such as a capacitive touch switch, depressible buttons, slider, or the like may be used.

In some examples in which driver <NUM> is configured to be mounted in or as a gang box, the driver may have a height ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>), a width ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>), and a depth ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>). In practice, gang box <NUM> and the driver <NUM> contained therein may be mounted directly adjacent to privacy glazing <NUM> or may be mounted a distance away from the privacy glazing. For example, gang box <NUM> and the driver <NUM> may be mounted at least <NUM> foot (approximately <NUM>) away from a nearest perimeter edge of privacy glazing <NUM>, such as at least <NUM> feet (approximately <NUM>), or at least <NUM> feet (approximately <NUM>). Alternatively, gang box <NUM> and driver <NUM> may be mounted within <NUM> foot (approximately <NUM>) from the nearest perimeter edge of the privacy glazing. In either case, electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from driver <NUM> and gang box <NUM> to electrically connect the driver to first electrode layer <NUM> and second electrode layer <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an example privacy door <NUM> showing an example driver assembly arrangement. Privacy door <NUM> can be constructed using the arrangement and configuration of components discussed above with respect to privacy glazing structure <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). For example, privacy door <NUM> may include a first pane of transparent material <NUM>, a second pane of transparent material <NUM>, and an electrically controllable optically active material <NUM> positioned between the first and second panes of transparent material. The first pane of transparent material <NUM> can carry a first electrode layer, and the second pane of transparent material <NUM> can carry a second electrode layer, as discussed with respect to privacy glazing structure <NUM>. Privacy door <NUM> may be visually transparent, or see through, when electrically controllable optically active material <NUM> is in a transparent state but optically obscured when the optically active material is in a darkened or privacy state.

To provide a location to discretely position driver <NUM> that is electrically coupled to the electrode layers carried by the panes of transparent material, privacy door <NUM> can include an optically opaque panel covering an access opening to an interior space formed within the door. For example, privacy door <NUM> in the example of <FIG> is illustrated as include a kick plate <NUM> positioned across the lower quadrant of the door. Privacy door <NUM> is also shown as having a hinge plate <NUM> which, in the illustrated example, is depicted as a top hinge plate 204A and bottom hinge plate 204B. The hinge plates can define mating surfaces where privacy door <NUM> is joined via hinge(s) to a door frame.

A cavity may be formed in first pane of transparent material <NUM> and/or privacy door <NUM> that is covered by and/or accessible through a corresponding optically opaque panel. Driver <NUM> can be within the cavity and electrically connected to the electrode layers carried by the transparent panels, e.g., using electrical conductors extending from the driver to each respective electrode layer. The cavity formed within privacy door <NUM> may form the driver housing <NUM> in which various components defining the driver are inserted and housed. Alternatively, driver <NUM> may include a separate driver housing <NUM> that is insertable into cavity. In either case, the optically opaque panel can be covered over the opening to discretely hide the driver within the opening. While <FIG> illustrates privacy door <NUM> with a driver positioned behind kick plate <NUM> and hinge plate 204A, in practice, such a door may utilize only a single driver.

The optically opaque plate may be fabricated from a material that is not visually transparent, regardless of the state of electrically controllable optically active material <NUM>. For example, the optically opaque plate may be fabricated from non-transparent glass (e.g., frosted glass), metal, non-transparent plastic, or other suitable material.

The techniques described in this disclosure, including functions performed by a controller, control unit, or control system, may be implemented within one or more of a general purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other equivalent logic devices. Accordingly, the terms "processor" or "controller," as used herein, may refer to any one or more of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein.

The various components illustrated herein may be realized by any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware. In the figures, various components are depicted as separate units or modules. However, all or several of the various components described with reference to these figures may be integrated into combined units or modules within common hardware, firmware, and/or software. Accordingly, the representation of features as components, units or modules is intended to highlight particular functional features for ease of illustration, and does not necessarily require realization of such features by separate hardware, firmware, or software components. In some cases, various units may be implemented as programmable processes performed by one or more processors or controllers.

Any features described herein as modules, devices, or components may be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. In various aspects, such components may be formed at least in part as one or more integrated circuit devices, which may be referred to collectively as an integrated circuit device, such as an integrated circuit chip or chipset. Such circuitry may be provided in a single integrated circuit chip device or in multiple, interoperable integrated circuit chip devices.

If implemented in part by software, the techniques may be realized at least in part by a computer-readable data storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) comprising code with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors or controllers, performs one or more of the methods and functions described in this disclosure. The computer-readable storage medium may form part of a computer program product, which may include packaging materials. The computer-readable medium may comprise random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), embedded dynamic random access memory (eDRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage media. Any software that is utilized may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more DSP's, general purpose microprocessors, ASIC's, FPGA's, or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry.

Claim 1:
A privacy glazing structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a first pane (<NUM>) of transparent material;
a second pane (<NUM>) of transparent material;
a spacer (<NUM>) positioned between the first pane of transparent material and the second pane of transparent material to define a between-pane space, the spacer sealing the between-pane space from gas exchange with a surrounding environment and holding the first pane of transparent material a separation distance from the second pane of transparent material;
a third pane (<NUM>) of transparent material; and
an electrically controllable optically active material (<NUM>) positioned between the second pane of transparent material and the third pane of transparent material, the electrically controllable optically active material being positioned between a first electrode layer (<NUM>) and
a second electrode layer (<NUM>),
wherein the spacer comprises a tubular body having opposed ends joined together by a key (<NUM>) having first and second ends that are inserted into the opposed ends of the tubular body, and key includes a driver (<NUM>) electrically connected to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, wherein the driver is configured to be electrically connected to a power source and condition power received from the power source to provide a drive signal to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer for controlling the electrically controllable optically active material, and
wherein the key has a closed surface facing the between-pane space and defines an opening facing the surrounding environment, the opening providing access to a hollow interior space of the key for inserting and removing the driver from the key.