Patent ID: 12255428

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure is directed to power transfer devices, systems incorporating power transfer devices, and associated methods of transferring power. For example, power transfer embodiments disclosed herein can supply power from an energy source to a powered component. In some embodiments disclosed herein, the powered component can be, or include a part of, a privacy glazing structure. Power transfer embodiments disclosed herein can, for instance, be used to provide power for controlling an electrically controllable optically active material at the privacy glazing structure.

In some implementations discussed in greater detail below, power transfer assembly embodiments disclosed herein can be useful in supplying power from an energy source to a movable privacy glazing structure. For instance, certain power transfer assembly embodiments disclosed herein can make use of one or more components that are configured to facilitate, at least in part, movement of the movable privacy glazing structure to also supply power from the energy source to the privacy glazing structure. Power transfer assembly embodiments disclosed herein can include features that configure at least a portion of one or more components that facilitate movement of the movable privacy glazing structure to form an electrically conductive pathway between the energy source and the movable privacy glazing structure. In this way, these power transfer assembly embodiments can configure the one or more components that facilitate movement of the movable privacy glazing structure to, at least in part, be able to supply power to the movable privacy glazing structure and, thereby, can help to facilitate controlled optical transmission at the movable privacy glazing structure.

For instance, in one example, the power transfer assembly includes one or more electrified window balancers. In general, a window balance is a mechanism that allows a window (e.g., a single-hung window, double-hung window) to open and close smoothly. The balancer made include a spring member (e.g., compression spring, extension spring, coil spring) that counters the force of gravity and holds the sash of the window unit in place relative to the surrounding frame (when opened to a desired position). In some examples, the window balancer defines an electrically conductive pathway between a power source and an electrically controllable optically active material in the window. The window balancer may function to electrically and/or mechanically couple the movable portion of the window carrying the electrically controllable optically active material to and/or through the surrounding frame. This can allow the movable portion to remain electrically connected to a power source at any desired position and/or through a range of travel.

FIGS.1-3illustrate an embodiment of a window assembly10that includes a power transfer assembly11. Specifically,FIG.1illustrates a partial schematic front view of the window assembly10including the power transfer assembly11.FIG.2illustrates a partial schematic front view of the window assembly10ofFIG.1showing a raised and tilted window sash14. And,FIG.3illustrates a partial schematic side view of the window assembly10ofFIG.2. As will be described further, in some examples, the window assembly10can include a powered component, such as a movable privacy glazing structure, and power transfer assembly11can be configured to supply power from an energy source to the movable privacy glazing structure.

As shown atFIGS.1-3, the window assembly10can include an upper sash12, a lower sash14, a pair of window jambs16, a window sill18, and one or more (e.g., two) window balance assemblies20. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the upper sash12is fixed relative to the window sill18(i.e., in a single hung window assembly). However, other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, the upper sash12can be movable relative to the window sill18between a raised, or closed, position and a lowered, or open, position (i.e., in a double hung window assembly). In the illustrated embodiment, the lower sash14can be raised and lowered, between open and closed positions, relative to the window sill18. The movable lower sash14can be connected to the one or more window balance assemblies20which can assist a user in opening the lower sash14as well as maintain the lower sash14in a desired position relative to the window sill18.

The movable lower sash14can include a pair of pivot bars22and a pair of tilt latch mechanisms24. The pivot bars22can extend laterally outward in opposing directions, such as from a lower portion of the lower sash14. Each pivot bar22can engage a corresponding window balance assembly20. The tilt latch mechanisms24can extend laterally outward in opposing directions, such as from an upper portion of the lower sash14, and may selectively engage corresponding ones of the window jambs16. As shown inFIGS.2and3, the tilt latch mechanisms24may be selectively actuated to allow the lower sash12to pivot about the pivot bars22relative to the window jambs16to facilitate cleaning of an exterior side of the window assembly10and to allow separation of the lower sash12from the window assembly10, for example.

It will be appreciated that in a double hung window (i.e. where each of the upper sash12and the lower sash14are movable), the upper sash12can also be connected to two or more window balance assemblies to assist the user in opening the upper sash12and maintaining the upper sash12in a selected position relative to the window sill18. In such a window assembly, the upper sash12can also include tilt latches and pivot bars to allow the upper sash12to pivot relative to the window jambs16in a similar manner as described previously for the lower sash14.

Each of the window jambs16can include a jamb channel26that is defined by a first wall28, a second wall30that is opposite the first wall28, a third wall32that extends between and is disposed perpendicular to the first and second walls28,30, and a fourth wall34that extends between and is disposed perpendicular to the first and second walls28,30. The first wall28can include a vertically extending slot defined thereat and adjacent a movable portion of the window assembly10(e.g., the lower sash14). As illustrated, the window balance assembly20can be installed within the jamb channel26. The pivot bar22can extend through the vertically extending slot and into the jamb channel26to engage (e.g., within the jamb channel26) the window balance assembly20. The tilt latch mechanism24can selectively engage the slot to lock the lower sash14in an upright position, as shown, for example, inFIG.1.

The window balance assembly20can include a carrier40, a curl spring42, and a mounting bracket44. As schematically illustrated inFIGS.1-3, the carrier40(sometimes also referred to as a shoe) can engage the movable lower sash14via the pivot bar22and house a curled portion45of the curl spring42. The carrier40can be movable vertically within the jamb channel26. The mounting bracket44can be fixed (e.g., within the jamb channel26, such as at one or more of the walls28,30,32,34defining the jamb channel26) relative to the window jamb16. The mounting bracket44can engage an uncurled end portion47of the curl spring42. The curl spring42may resist being uncurled such that the curl spring42exerts an upward force on the carrier40, thereby biasing the movable lower sash14toward the open, raised position.

FIG.4illustrates an elevational view of the window balance assembly carrier40with a portion of the carrier housing41removed to show an interior of the carrier40. In addition to housing the curled portion45of the curl spring42(e.g., a coil spring), the carrier40can include a receiver50, a receiver busing53, and one or more contacts55. Each of the receiver50(e.g., the body49), receiver bushing53, one or more contacts55, and curl spring42can include a conductive material such that the receiver50, bushing53, one or more contacts55, and curl spring42can form an electrically conductive pathway. For example, the receiver50can be in contact with the bushing53, the bushing53can be in contact with one or more of the contacts55, and one or more of the contacts55can be in contact with the curl spring42(e.g., in contact with the curled portion45). In this way, electrical potential can pass between the conductive receiver50, conductive bushing53, one or more conductive contacts55, and conductive curl spring42. In some embodiments, to facilitate this electrically conductive pathway as the carrier40moves in operation, the carrier40can further include one or more biasing members (e.g., one or more springs) configured to apply a biasing force at the one or more contacts55to urge the one or more contacts55toward the curl spring42. This can help maintain contact between the one or more contacts55and the curl spring42as the curl spring42is drawn out of the carrier housing41as a result of movement of the carrier40.

The receiver50includes a body49that can define a first complementary fitting51. In the illustrated embodiment, the first complementary fitting51is a slot defined by the body49, though in other embodiments the first complementary fitting51can be configured in other suitable manners. The first complementary fitting51can be configured to couple to the pivot bar22. In particular, the pivot bar22can include a second complementary fitting23(shown at, e.g.,FIG.5) that is configured to couple to the first complementary fitting51of the receiver50so as to engage the pivot bar22at the carrier40.

The receiver50can be rotatable relative to the carrier housing41, for instance between a locked position and an unlocked position. More specifically, the pivot bar22can rotatably couple to the receiver50so as to allow the movable lower sash14to pivot about the pivot bar22between an upright position and a tilted position as shown inFIGS.2and3. As such, as the movable lower sash14pivots about the pivot bar22, the pivot bar22can rotate the receiver50between the locked and unlocked positions. Notably, the configuration of the receiver50, bushing53, one or more contacts55, and curl spring42can maintain the electrically conductive pathway therebetween when the receiver50rotates and is in both the locked position and the unlocked position.

For example, the rotational position of the receiver50, as shown inFIG.4, can be the unlocked position where the first complementary fitting51can be oriented generally horizontally, and the receiver50can rotate (e.g., ninety degrees) relative to the carrier housing41, as a result of torque applied by the pivot bar22, to the locked position where the first complementary fitting51can be oriented generally vertical. When the receiver50is in the unlocked position, the carrier40can be configured to move (e.g., upward and downward) relative to the window jamb16(e.g., move within the jamb channel26) as the lower sash14moves between the open and closed positions. When the lower sash14is tilted relative to the window jamb16in the direction of arrow A shown inFIG.3, the pivot bar22can rotate the receiver50toward the locked position. When the receiver50is in the locked position, the carrier40can be held in place relative to the window jamb (e.g., held in place within the jamb channel26). For example, the receiver50can include a first locking fitting that creates an interference fit with a complementary, second locking fitting at the carrier housing41when the receiver50is rotated to the locked position. Accordingly, when the lower sash14is in a tilted position, the window balance assembly20may be prevented from exerting a net upward force on the lower sash14. With the carrier40held in place within the jamb channel26as a result of rotating the receiver50to the locked position, the lower sash14can be easily removed from the window assembly10, for instance, for maintenance or replacement.

FIG.5is a perspective view of the pivot bar22. As noted, the pivot bar22can include the second complementary fitting23. In the illustrated embodiment, where the first complementary fitting51is a slot defined by the body49, the second complementary fitting23can be an arm that extends out from a body25of the pivot bar22. This arm forming the second complementary fitting23in the illustrated embodiment can extend into the slot forming the first complementary fitting51to thereby rotatably couple the pivot bar22to the receiver50.

The pivot bar22can include a conductive material and form part of the electrically conductive pathway. In particular, both the body25and the second complementary fitting23of the pivot bar22can include a conductive material. The conductive material of the second complementary fitting23can contact the conductive material of the first complementary fitting51at the receiver50. As such, the electrically conductive pathway can extend from the receiver50to the pivot bar22such that electrical potential can pass between the conductive curl spring42, the one or more conductive contacts55, the conductive bushing53, the conductive receiver50, the conductive second complementary fitting23, and the conductive body25. The pivot bar22can further include a conductive line27(e.g., an insulated electrical wire) that can also form part of the electrically conductive pathway. As part of the electrically conductive pathway, the conductive line27can pass electrical potential between the pivot bar22(e.g., the conductive body25) and a powered component15.

Referring toFIGS.1-5, the power transfer assembly11can be configured to receive power from an energy source13and convey this received power to the powered component15. The power transfer assembly can include an electrically conductive pathway between the window balance assembly20, the pivot bar22, and the powered component15. More specifically, the power transfer assembly11can include an electrically conductive pathway formed by, and between, the conductive curl spring42, the one or more conductive contacts55, the conductive bushing53, the conductive receiver50, the pivot bar22(e.g., the conductive second complementary fitting23and the conductive body25), and the powered component15. It is noted that, in other embodiments, the power transfer assembly11can also be incorporated into the window assembly10using other types of window balance assemblies. Namely, while the illustrated embodiment shows a spring-type window balance assembly20, in other embodiments, the power transfer assembly11can also be incorporated into the window assembly10using non-spring-type window balance assemblies, for example incorporating the power transfer assembly11into the window assembly10using a string-type window balance assembly, for instance, where one or more conductive strings of the string-type window balance assembly take the place of the conductive curl spring.

Independent of the specific configuration of the power transfer assembly, the power transfer assembly may include an electrically conductive member that extends and retracts as the movable window element is moved by a user to maintain electrical contact between the movable window element and power source. For example, when power transfer assembly11includes a spring (e.g., coil spring42), the spring may be formed of an electrically conductive metal material (e.g., steel, copper). In some examples, the external surface of the electrically conductive member is coated with an insulator material (e.g., a substantially non-conductive polymeric material). For example, curl spring42may be coated with a polymeric material along its length to define two opposite conductive terminal ends and a conductive core (e.g., providing a biasing spring force) surrounded by an insulating material. As a result, when the spring retracts, the insulative outer surfaces of the spring may contact each other (e.g., roll up on each other) rather than having exposed metal surfaces contact each other.

Further, while power transfer assembly11has generally been described as an assembly both electrically coupling a power source to a movable window portion and mechanically coupling the movable window portion to the surrounding frame (e.g., to counterbalance the window and hold the window in an open position), in some examples, power transfer assembly11is configured to provide electrical coupling without substantially mechanically balancing the window. In these examples, a separate mechanical balancer, such as a traditional balancer, may or may not be utilized in addition to power transfer assembly11

For example, when power transfer assembly11is implemented as a coil spring balancer, the assembly may include a single coil spring42or may include multiple coil springs (e.g., two, three, or more). The multiple coil springs may be arranged in series, e.g., by stacking one on top of another. In some examples, one of the multiple coil springs is configured as an electrical conductor to transfer power from a power source to an electrically controllable optically active material carried by a movable window element. One or the other multiple coil spring may be configured to mechanically balance the movable window element, e.g., by being physically but not electrically connected to the movable window element. Other combinations of electrified and/or non-electrified members that can be compressed, extended, and/or coiled to facilitate electrical coupling and/or mechanical balancing of a movable window element relative to a fixed frame can be used.

In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the power transfer assembly11can further include a conductive line17(e.g., an electrically conductive wire coated with an insulator) that electrically connects the energy source13to the conductive curl spring42. For example, an aperture19can be formed in the window jamb16so that the conductive line17can pass through the window jamb16and facilitate an electrical connection to the curl spring42within the jamb channel26. In one example, the conductive line17can electrically connect to the curl spring42at the mounting bracket44. Thus, the conductive line17can electrically connect to a fixed portion of the window balance assembly20(e.g., the fixed mounting bracket44and fixed uncurled end portion47).

Moreover, by using the curl spring42of the carrier40as part of the electrically conductive pathway, the curl spring can extend (unroll) and contract (roll up) as the window moved, e.g., adding or removing slack in the electrically conductive pathway to accommodate movement of the lower sash14relative to the window jamb16. Namely, since the curl spring42and its curled portion45can form part of the conductive path, the slack provided by the curled portion45at the carrier40can allow the conductive path to be formed without obstructing the function of the window balance assembly20to facilitate movement of the lower sash14.

Thus, the power transfer assembly11can be configured to receive power from the energy source13and convey this received power to the powered component15via the electrically conductive pathway formed by the power transfer assembly11. As noted, in various embodiments, the power transfer assembly11can form this electrically conductive pathway via the conductive line17, window balance assembly20, pivot bar22, and conductive line27. In many such embodiments, the electrically conductive pathway formed by the power transfer assembly11can include both one or more conductive elements of the fixed portion of the window balance assembly20and one or more conductive elements of the movable portion of the window balance assembly20. Conductive elements of the fixed portion of the window balance assembly20included as part of the electrically conductive pathway formed by the power transfer assembly11can include the fixed, conductive uncurled end portion47, and, in some further embodiments also the fixed, conductive mounting bracket44. The movable portion of the window balance assembly20included as part of the electrically conductive pathway formed by the power transfer assembly11can include conductive elements of the carrier40, for instance the conductive curled portion45, the one or more conductive contacts55, the conductive bushing53, and the conductive receiver50of the movable carrier40.

As such, in the illustrated embodiment, the power transfer assembly11can form the electrically conductive pathway via the conductive line17, the conductive curl spring42(in some cases electrically connected to the conductive line17via the fixed, conductive mounting bracket44), the one or more conductive contacts55, the conductive bushing53, the conductive receiver50, the pivot bar22, and the conductive line27. In one exemplary arrangement of the power transfer assembly11, the electrically conductive pathway is formed, at least in part, via contact between the conductive curl portion45of the curl spring42and one or more conductive contacts55, contact between one or more conductive contacts55and conductive bushing53, contact between conductive bushing53and conductive receiver50, contact between conductive first complementary fitting51of receiver50and conductive second complementary fitting23of pivot bar22, contact between body25of pivot bar22and conductive line27, and contact between conductive line27and powered component15.

As described, the disclosed embodiments can convey electrical potential between the energy source13and the powered component15via the power transfer assembly11. The energy source13can be, for example, a battery or mains or wall power supplied through a circuit breaker, and the energy source13can supply power to the power transfer assembly11. If a battery is used, the battery may be positioned in a portion of the fixed frame surrounding the movable sash of the window and/or outside of the frame. If a continuous power source is used (e.g., wall power), power transfer assembly11may electrically connect to the power source through an opening created in the fixed frame.

In some examples, a driver is positioned between the power source and powered component to condition the power received from the source and to supply the conditioned power to the power transfer assembly. When used, the driver may change one or more characteristics of the power received from the power source (e.g., change voltage, amplitude, waveform, frequency, convert from alternating to direct current).

The powered component15can be associated with the window assembly10, for instance associated with the window sashes12and/or14, and the powered component15can take a variety of forms in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the powered component15, which receives power via the power transfer assembly11, can include an electrically controllable optically active material, for instance at the window sash14. The following describes embodiments of the electrically controllable optically active material that can receive power from the power transfer assembly11, for instance via electrical connection between the conductive line27and the electrically controllable optically active material.

FIG.6is a side view of an example privacy glazing structure112. In some embodiments, the privacy glazing structure112can be the powered component15associated with the window assembly10, and, thus, the privacy glazing structure112can receive power from the power transfer assembly11.

The privacy glazing structure112can include a first pane of transparent material114and a second pane of transparent material116with a layer of optically active material118bounded between the two panes of transparent material. The privacy glazing structure112also includes a first electrode layer120and a second electrode layer122. The first electrode layer120is carried by the first pane of transparent material114while the second electrode layer122is carried by the second pane of transparent material. In operation, electricity supplied through the first and second electrode layers120,122via a driver as described herein can control the optically active material118to control visibility through the privacy glazing structure.

Privacy glazing structure112can utilize any suitable privacy materials for the layer of optically active material118. Further, although optically active material118is 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 material118is configured to provide controllable and reversible optical obscuring and lightening. Optically active material118can 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 material118is formed of an electrochromic material that changes opacity and, hence, light transmission properties, in response to voltage changes applied to the material. Typical examples of electrochromic materials are WO3and MoO3, 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 material118is formed of a liquid crystal material. Different types of liquid crystal materials that can be used as optically active material118include 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 layers120and122. When the electric field is off, the liquid crystals may be randomly scattered. 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 crystals.

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 opaque and scattering upon application of an electric field.

In one example in which the layer of optically active material118is 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 material118, 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 structure112from clearly observing activity occurring on the opposite side of the structure.

When optically active material118is 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 material118may contain spacer beads (e.g., micro-spheres), for example having an average diameter ranging from 3 micrometers to 40 micrometers, to maintain separation between the first pane of transparent material114and the second pane of transparent material116.

In another example in which the layer of optically active material118is 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 structure112from 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 material118.

Another type of material that can be used as the layer of optically active material118is 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 material118, and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

Independent of the specific type of material(s) used for the layer of optically active material118, the material can change from a light transmissive state in which privacy glazing structure112is intended to be transparent to a privacy state in which visibility through the insulating glazing unit is intended to be blocked. Optically active material118may exhibit progressively decreasing direct visible transmittance when transitioning from a maximum light transmissive state to a maximum privacy state. Similarly, optically active material118may exhibit progressively increasing direct visible transmittance when transitioning from a maximum privacy state to a maximum transmissive state. The speed at which optically active material118transitions from a generally transparent transmission state to a generally opaque privacy state may be dictated by a variety of factors, including the specific type of material selected for optically active material118, the temperature of the material, the electrical voltage applied to the material, and the like.

To electrically control optically active material118, privacy glazing structure112in the example ofFIG.6includes first electrode layer120and second electrode layer122. 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 material118. For example, first pane of transparent material114may define an inner surface124A and an outer surface124B on an opposite side of the pane. Similarly, second pane of transparent material116may define an inner surface126A and an outer surface126B on an opposite side of the pane. First electrode layer120can be deposited over the inner surface124A of the first pane, while second electrode layer122can be deposited over the inner surface126A of the second pane. The first and second electrode layers120,122can 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 layer120,122may 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 power source, such as energy source13via power transfer assembly11, through notch structures as described in greater detail below. In some examples, the transparent conductive coatings forming electrode layers120,122define wall surfaces of a cavity between first pane of transparent material114and second pane of transparent material116which optically active material118contacts. In other examples, one or more other coatings may overlay the first and/or second electrode layers120,122, such as a dielectric overcoat (e.g., silicon oxynitride). In either case, first pane of transparent material114and second pane of transparent material116, as well as any coatings on inner faces124A,126A of the panes can form a cavity or chamber containing optically active material118.

The panes of transparent material forming privacy glazing structure112, including first pane114and second pane116, can 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 structure112are formed of glass. In other examples, at least one (and optionally all) the privacy glazing structure112are 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 pane114and/or second pane116may 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 US Patent Publication No. 2018/0307111, titled “HIGH PERFORMANCE PRIVACY GLAZING STRUCTURES” and filed Apr. 20, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Privacy glazing structure112can 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. As one specific example, privacy glazing structure112can be used at the window assembly, for instance pane surrounded by window sash14, described previously herein To help facilitate installation of privacy glazing structure112, the structure may include a frame130surrounding the exterior perimeter of the structure. This frame130can form the window jamb16, and associated jamb channel26, described previously herein. In different examples, frame130may be fabricated from wood, metal, or a plastic material such a vinyl. Frame130may define a channel132that receives and holds the external perimeter edge of structure112.

In the example ofFIG.6, privacy glazing structure112is illustrated as a privacy cell formed of two panes of transparent material bounding optically active material118. In other configurations, privacy glazing structure112may 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.7is a side view of an example configuration in which privacy glazing structure112fromFIG.6is incorporated into a multi-pane insulating glazing unit having a between-pane space.

As shown in the illustrated example ofFIG.7, a multi-pane privacy glazing structure150may include privacy glazing structure112separated from an additional (e.g., third) pane of transparent material152by a between-pane space154, for example, by a spacer156. Spacer156may extend around the entire perimeter of multi-pane privacy glazing structure150to hermetically seal the between-pane space154from gas exchange with a surrounding environment. To minimize thermal exchange across multi-pane privacy glazing structure150, between-pane space154can be filled with an insulative gas or even evacuated of gas. For example, between-pane space154may 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 ten percent air and ninety percent insulative gas. In other examples, between-pane space154may be evacuated so that the between-pane space is at vacuum pressure relative to the pressure of an environment surrounding multi-pane privacy glazing structure150.

Spacer156can be any structure that holds opposed substrates in a spaced apart relationship over the service life of multi-pane privacy glazing structure150and seals between-pane space154between 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. One example of a spacer that can be used as spacer156is a tubular spacer positioned between first pane of transparent material114and third pane of transparent material152. 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 surface124B of first pane of transparent material114and a second side surface adhered (by a second bead of sealant) to third pane of transparent material152. A top surface of the tubular spacer can be exposed to between-pane space154and, 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.

Another example of a spacer that can be used as spacer156is 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 material114apart from third pane of transparent material152. In yet another example, spacer156may be formed from a foam material surrounded on all sides except a side facing a between-pane space with a metal foil. As another example, spacer156may be a thermoplastic spacer (TPS) spacer formed by positioning a primary sealant (e.g., adhesive) between first pane of transparent material114and third pane of transparent material152followed, optionally, by a secondary sealant applied around the perimeter defined between the substrates and the primary sealant. Spacer156can have other configurations, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Depending on application, first pane of transparent material114, second pane of transparent material116, and/or third pane of transparent material152(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. 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.

The electrode layers120,122of privacy glazing structure112, whether implemented alone or in the form of multiple-pane structure with a between-pane space, can be electrically connected to a driver. The driver can provide a drive signal to the electrode layers, which may be electrical signal of a define current, voltage, and waveform to control optically active material118.

FIG.8is a schematic illustration showing an example connection arrangement between the conductive line27and a driver160as well as between the driver160and electrode layers of a privacy structure. In the illustrated example, wires140and142electrically couple driver160to the first electrode layer120and the second electrode layer122, respectively. In some examples, wire140and/or wire142may connect to their respective electrode layers via a conduit or hole in the transparent pane adjacent the electrode layer. In other configurations, wire140and/or wire142may contact their respective electrode layers at the edge of the privacy structure112without requiring wire140and/or wire142to extend through other sections (e.g., transparent panes114,116) to reach the respective electrode layer(s). In either case, driver160may be electrically coupled to each of electrode layers120and122.

In operation, the driver160can apply a voltage difference between electrode layers120and122, resulting in an electric field across optically active material118. The optical properties of the optically active material118can be adjusted by applying a voltage across the layer. In some embodiments, the effect of the voltage on the optically active material118is independent of the polarity of the applied voltage. For example, in some examples in which optically active material118comprises liquid crystals that align with an electric field between electrode layers120and122, the optical result of the crystal alignment is independent of the polarity of the electric field. For instance, liquid crystals may align with an electric field in a first polarity, and may rotate approximately 180° in the event the polarity if reversed. However, the optical state of the liquid crystals (e.g., the opacity) in either orientation may be approximately the same.

In embodiments where the powered component15is the privacy structure112, the power transfer assembly11can be electrically connected to one or more electrode layers (e.g., electrode layers120and/or122) of the privacy structure112. As such, the one or more electrode layers can receive power from the energy source13via the power transfer assembly11. As illustrated atFIG.8, the conductive line27of the power transfer assembly11can be electrically connected to the one or more electrode layers120,122. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive line is electrically connected to the one or more electrode layers120,122via the driver160. As such, in this illustrated embodiment, the power transfer assembly11is electrically connected to the driver160to thereby electrically connect the driver160to the energy source13. The driver160can receive power from the energy source13via the power transfer assembly11and process this received power to provide a drive signal delivered to privacy structure112via wires140,142.

The characteristics of the electricity delivered by energy source13via power transfer assembly11can vary depending on the application and the specific source of power used. In some applications, energy source13delivers electricity at a voltage ranging from 50 V to 500 V, such as from 100 V to 250 V, or from 110 V to 130 V. For example, energy source13may supply electricity at a voltage of approximately 120 V (e.g., plus or minus 5%). The apparent power supplied by energy source13is a function of both the voltage and current of the electricity delivered to driver160. In some examples, energy source13delivers electricity having apparent power ranging from 1000 VA to 5000 VA, such as from 1500 VA to 2500 VA. For example, driver160may receive power from energy source13via power transfer assembly11having an apparent power of at least 1500 VA, such as at least 1650 VA, or at least 1750 VA.

In implementations where driver160(e.g., conditioning circuitry of the driver) includes a controller, the controller can include one or more components configured to process received information, such as a received input from a user interface, and perform one or more corresponding actions in response thereto. Such components can include, for example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microcontrollers, microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other appropriate components capable of receiving and output data and/or signals according to a predefined relationship. In some examples, such one or more components can be physically integrated with the other driver components, such as a switching network and the like.

In some examples, the controller operates in response to a signal from one or more controls that function as a user interface with the controller. The one or more controls may provide a command to change the optical state of the optically active material. In various examples, the one or more controls can be a switch or other component in wired or wireless communication with the controller. For instance, a hard switch (e.g., a wall switch proximate an optically dynamic structure) can be coupled to the controller and can switch between two or more switching states, each corresponding to an optical state of the optically active material. Additionally or alternatively, the driver may be configured to communicate with an external component, such as a smartphone or tablet via wireless communication or an internet-connected device (e.g., through a hard-wired or wireless network connection). In some implementations, the controller can receive a signal from such an external device corresponding to a desired optical state of the optically active material and can control the optically active material accordingly, e.g., to transition to that state.

The foregoing description has focused on a power transfer assembly that is generally configured as an electrified balancer. A power transfer assembly can have a variety of other configurations.FIGS.9A and9Billustrate an example of a different type of power transfer assembly. In particular,FIGS.9A and9Billustrate an embodiment of a roller200that can be used as part of a power transfer assembly. For example, the roller200can be used as part of a power transfer assembly for conveying power to a powered component associated with a sliding glass door or in other applications to convey power to a powered component associated with a glass assembly where that glass assembly does not have a balancer assembly.FIG.9Ais a schematic, perspective view of the roller200, andFIG.9Bis a perspective view of the roller200in isolation and with the housing removed.

The roller200can include a support shaft205, a roller body210, and a wheel215. The support shaft205can be coupled to the roller body210at one end portion and coupled to a support surface at another, opposite end portion, and the support shaft205can be configured to support the roller200during operation. The support shaft205can be rotatably coupled to the roller body210such that the roller body210can be configured to rotate about the support shaft205(e.g., rotate 360 degrees about the support shaft). The support shaft205can include a spring element206to facilitate up/down movement of the roller body210so to thereby accommodate non-liner travel of the roller200. Also coupled to the roller body210is the wheel215. The wheel215can be rotatably coupled to the roller body210via axle216such that wheel215rotates about axle216to move roller200along an electrically conductive track220. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the body210is in the form of a “C-shape” body, and the wheel215and support shaft205are coupled to the roller body210at opposite end sides of the “C-shape” body.

The roller200can include a first housing201and a second housing202to help isolate the components of the roller200interior to the housings201,202. The first housing201and the second housing202can be secured at the roller200so as to be movable relative to one another. Independently movable housings201,202can be useful to accommodate the independent movement of the support shaft205and the roller body210.

As noted, the roller200can be used as part of a power transfer assembly201for conveying power to a powered component (e.g., an electrically controllable optically active component) associated with a glass structure, such as a sliding glass door. The body210and the wheel215can include a conductive material. The energy source113can be electrically connected to the track220such that as the conductive wheel215contacts the electrically conductive track220electrical energy is conveyed from the track220to the conductive wheel215. The conductive wheel215can be electrically connected to the roller body210so as to convey the electrical energy from the wheel215to the roller body210. A conductive line227can be electrically connected to the roller body210so as to receive the electrical energy from the roller body, and the conductive line227can be electrically connected at an opposite end to the powered component associated with the glass structure.

In some embodiments, such as that illustrated here, the roller200can further include one or more conductive biasing members225. The conductive biasing member225can be configured to help transfer electrical energy from the wheel215to the roller body210. As one example, the axle216can include a conductive material, and the conductive biasing member225can be in electrical connection (e.g., conductive contact) with the wheel215and the roller body210. For instance, the conductive biasing member225can be in electrical connection with the wheel215via the axle216, and the conductive biasing member225can be configured to contact and apply a biasing force against the conductive axle216so as to receive electrical energy from the axle216and transfer this electrical energy to the roller body210.

Thus, the power transfer assembly201can form an electrically conductive pathway at the roller200so as to receive electrical energy from the track220and transfer this received electrical energy to the conductive line227, and the conductive line227can provide the electrical energy to the powered component associated with the glass structure. Namely, the power transfer assembly201can form the electrically conductive pathway, at the roller200, from the wheel225to the roller body210(e.g., via the axle216and/or conductive biasing member225) and from the roller body210to the conductive line227. The conductive line227can be electrically connected to the powered component as described previously herein for the conductive line of the power transfer assembly11(e.g., the conductive line227of the power transfer assembly201can be electrically connected to the electrically controllable optically active material, such as via the driver and/or the one or more electrode layers).

Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.