DIMMING GLASS CONTROL DEVICE AND DIMMING CONTROL SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field

The present invention relates to a dimming glass control device for controlling a dimming glass, and a dimming control system including such a dimming glass control device.

Background Art

Conventionally, dimming glasses with dimming films have been used e.g. for window glasses for a vehicle, wherein the dimming films have transmittances which are changed depending on application of an AC voltage (see e.g. Patent Document 1). According to this Patent Document 1, such a dimming glass is applied to a window glass for a vehicle, wherein a transmittance of the window glass is changed e.g. via user operation.

CITATION LIST
Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: JP 2019-054759 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, when a user wants to look out of the window and/or it is necessary to block someone's eyes from the outside and/or to prevent glares, a transmittance must be changed each and every time for the dimming glass as a window glass according to technologies such as Patent Document 1. Consequently, there is room for improvement of the user friendliness.

Therefore, the present invention is focused on the problem as described above, and an objective of the present invention is to provide a dimming glass control device which enables a dimming glass to be controlled while improving the user friendliness, and to provide a dimming control system with such a dimming glass control device.

In order to achieve the above objective, a dimming glass control device is configured for a dimming glass including a plurality of dimming films arranged in different regions of a window glass for a vehicle, wherein the plurality of dimming films has transmittances of light which are changed depending on application of an AC voltage, the dimming glass control device including: a voltage applying section configured to change the transmittances of the plurality of dimming films respectively by application and non-application of the AC voltage to each of the plurality of dimming films; and a control section configured to, in response to designation of one dimming pattern of a plurality of dimming patterns, control the voltage applying section so as to apply the AC voltage to one or more of the plurality of dimming films associated with the one dimming pattern, wherein the plurality of dimming patterns differs from each other in at least one of a number of dimming films or a position of a dimming film in the dimming glass to which the AC voltage is applied.

Further, in order to achieve the above objective, a dimming control system includes: a dimming glass including a plurality of dimming films, wherein the plurality of dimming films is arranged in different regions of a window glass for a vehicle, wherein the plurality of dimming films has transmittances of light which are changed depending on application of an AC voltage; and the above-described dimming glass control device configured to control the transmittances of the plurality of dimming films of the dimming glass.

According to the dimming glass control device and dimming control system, one dimming pattern is designated out of the plurality of dimming patterns which differs from each other in in at least one of the number of dimming films or the position of a dimming film to which the AC voltage is applied (i.e. for which the transmittance is changed). Therefore, it is practically possible e.g. to preset, as one of the plurality of dimming patterns for designation, a dimming pattern in which part of the dimming films is transparent and the remaining dimming film(s) is non-transparent, in addition to dimming patterns e.g. with full non-transparency and/or full transparency. Furthermore, a user can designate such a dimming pattern in which part of the dimming films is transparent and the remaining dimming film(s) are non-transparent, which enables the blocking effect and the visibility of the outside to be simultaneously achieved to a certain extent without changing the transmittance each time once the designation has been made. Of course, it is also possible to designate the dimming pattern with full non-transparency when full blocking is desired, while the dimming pattern with full transparency can be designated when a full visibility of the outside is desired. In this manner, the dimming glass control device as described above enables the dimming glass to be controlled while improving the user friendliness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a dimming control system including a dimming glass control device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a dimming glass according to FIG. 1 along the line V11-V11;

FIG. 3 shows how a dimming control is performed for the dimming glass according to FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating five dimming patterns which are set in a control section according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process which is performed in the dimming glass control device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a dimming control system including a dimming glass control device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process which is performed in the dimming glass control device according to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a dimming control system including a dimming glass control device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a dimming glass according to FIG. 8, together with a sectional view along the line V31-V31 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 schematically shows four types of dimming pattern which may be set for the dimming glass according to FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process which is performed in the dimming glass control device according to FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of a dimming glass control device and a dimming control system will be described. First, a first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a dimming control system including a dimming glass control device according to a first embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a dimming glass according to FIG. 1 along the line V11-V11, and FIG. 3 shows how a dimming control is performed for the dimming glass according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The dimming control system 1 according to FIG. 1 includes a dimming glass 11 and a dimming glass control device 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dimming glass 11 includes first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 which are arranged in first to sixth regions 11a-1 to 11a-6 of a window glass 11a for a vehicle. The first dimming film 11b-1 is arranged in the first region 11a-1, the second dimming film 11b-2 is arranged in the second region 11a-2, and the third dimming film 11b-3 is arranged in the third region 11a-3. Further, the fourth dimming film 11b-4 is arranged in the fourth region 11a-4, the fifth dimming film 11b-5 is arranged in the fifth region 11a-5, and the sixth dimming film 11b-6 is arranged in the sixth region 11a-6. The window glass 11a for mounting the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 thereto is not limited here. However, the dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 may be arranged on a door glass of a side door and/or a rear glass of a rear window of the vehicle, for example.

The first to sixth regions 11a-1 to 11a-6 of the window glass 11a are six regions extending in an elongate shape in different positions, wherein these regions are obtained by dividing the window glass 11a into six regions in an up-down direction D11 of the vehicle. Then, the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are arranged in the first to sixth regions 11a-1 to 11a-6 so as to be interposed between two glass panes 11c. Furthermore, a pair of electric wires 11d is connected to each of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6, wherein the pair of electric wires 11d serves for applying an AC voltage to each of the dimming films. The first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are film elements having transmittances of light which are changed depending on the AC voltage applied via the respective pairs of electric wires 11d.

FIG. 3 shows how the transmittances for the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are changed depending on application of the AC voltage. It is to be noted that the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 in FIG. 3 are film elements with the same characteristics and are indicated as the n-th dimming film by abstracting their numbers. Furthermore, the AC voltage which is applied for changing the transmittance for the n-th dimming film shall be referred to as the n-th dimming output, and an instruction signal for instructing application of the n-th dimming output to the n-th dimming film shall be referred to as the n-th driving output. The n-th driving output is a binary signal having on/off values, wherein the n-th dimming output which is an AC voltage of +50 V and 50 Hz to 60 Hz is applied to the n-th dimming film in response to the n-th driving output having an on-value. Further, according to the present embodiment, the transmittance for the n-th dimming film is substantially 0% without application of the n-th dimming output, while the transmittance for the n-th dimming film is substantially 100% when applying the n-th dimming output thereto. This means that the n-th dimming film is non-transparent and blocks light without application of the n-th dimming output, and is transparent and allows light through the n-th dimming film when applying the n-th dimming output thereto.

The dimming glass control device 100 according to FIG. 1 is configured to control the transmittances for the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 of the dimming glass 11 which has the above-described configuration. The dimming glass control device 100 includes a voltage applying section 110, a control section 120, a battery 130 and a control switch 140.

The voltage applying section 110 changes the transmittance for each of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 of the dimming glass 11 between two values of substantially 0% and substantially 100% by application and non-application of the respective first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 to the dimming films. The voltage applying section 110 according to the present embodiment further includes first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 configured to generate the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6. These first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 are associated with the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 in a one-to-one manner. Furthermore, all of the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 are configured as DC/AC inverters which convert a DC voltage of the battery 130 into an AC voltage as shown in FIG. 3. The first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 are connected to the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 via the electric wires 11d as shown in FIG. 3 so that the AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 can apply the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 to the dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6.

The control section 120 is configured to control the voltage applying section 110. According to the present embodiment, a BCM (Body Control Module) installed in the vehicle functions as the control section 120. The control section 120 provides first to sixth driving outputs Sg1 to Sg6 to the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 of the voltage applying section 110 to control a voltage output of each of the AC voltage generating sections, wherein the first to sixth driving outputs Sg1 to Sg6 are binary signals having on/off values. One or more AC voltage generating sections which have received the driving output having an on-value from the control section 120 provides the dimming output in the form of an AC voltage to the associated dimming film(s).

According to the present embodiment, five dimming patterns as described below are set in the control section 120, wherein the five dimming patterns differ from each other in at least one of the number of dimming films or a position of a dimming film to which the dimming output (AC voltage) is applied. The control section 120 receives designation of one dimming pattern of the first to fifth patterns from the control switch 140, and controls the voltage applying section 110 so as to apply the dimming output to one or more dimming films associated with the one designated dimming pattern. This means that the control section 120 provides the driving output having an on-value to one or more AC voltage generating sections which are connected to one or more dimming films associated with the one designated dimming pattern.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the five dimming patterns which are set in the control section according to FIG. 1.

In the control section 120, five dimming patterns as shown in this FIG. 4, i.e. first to fifth patterns Pt1 to Pt5 are set.

First, the first pattern Pt1 is a non-dimming pattern in which the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 are not applied to any of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6. In the non-dimming pattern according to the present embodiment, all of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are non-transparent, wherein light is blocked across the entire dimming glass 11.

The fifth pattern Pt5 is a full dimming pattern in which the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 are applied to all of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6. In the full dimming pattern according to the present embodiment, all of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are transparent, wherein light is allowed to pass through the entire dimming glass 11.

The second pattern Pt2 and third pattern Pt3 are continuous dimming patterns in which the dimming output is applied to a continuous film group, the continuous film group being formed by two or more of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 which are arranged continuously. In the continuous dimming patterns according to the present embodiment, dimming films forming the continuous film group are transparent, while the remaining dimming film(s) is non-transparent. Furthermore, the second pattern Pt2 and third pattern Pt3 differ from each other in at least one of the number of dimming films and a position(s) of a dimming film(s) forming the continuous film group (only in a position(s) of a dimming film(s) according to the present embodiment). This means that two continuous dimming patterns are provided according to the present embodiment.

In the second pattern Pt2, the dimming output is applied to the fourth to sixth dimming films 11b-4 to 11b-6 which are located in a lower half of the dimming glass 11 with respect to the up-down direction D11 so that the fourth to sixth dimming film 11b-4 to 11b-6 are transparent. In the second pattern Pt2, no dimming output is applied to the remaining first to third dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-3, wherein an upper half of the dimming glass 11 is non-transparent.

In the third pattern Pt3, the dimming output is applied to the first to third dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-3 which are located in the upper half of the dimming glass 11 so that the first to third dimming film 11b-1 to 11b-3 are transparent. Further, in the third pattern Pt3, no dimming output is applied to the remaining fourth to sixth dimming films 11b-4 to 11b-6, wherein the lower half of the dimming glass 11 is non-transparent.

The fourth pattern Pt4 is a discontinuous dimming pattern in which the dimming output is applied to a discontinuous film group, the discontinuous film group being formed by two or more of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 which are arranged discontinuously with another dimming film interposed therebetween, wherein no voltage is applied to the another dimming film. The discontinuous dimming pattern according to the present embodiment is configured such that the dimming output is applied to the second dimming film 11b-2, fourth dimming film 11b-4 and sixth dimming film 11b-6. In this discontinuous dimming pattern, no voltage is applied to the remaining first dimming film 11b-1, third dimming film 11b-3 and fifth dimming film 11b-5. By voltage application to every second dimming film, the fourth pattern Pt4 is a pattern of horizontal stripes which is formed by alternating transparent and non-transparent regions in the up-down direction D11, the transparent and non-transparent regions having a horizontal belt shape. According to the present embodiment, only one pattern, i.e. the fourth pattern Pt4 as shown, is set as the discontinuous dimming pattern as described above.

The battery 130 is an on-board DC power supply for a vehicle, wherein a DC voltage is provided from this battery 130 to each of the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 of the voltage applying section 110. Each of the AC voltage generating section converts this DC voltage into an AC voltage as described above.

The control switch 140 is a section which receives a switchable selecting operation of a dimming pattern by a user of the dimming control system 1 and the dimming glass control device 100 and designates the received dimming pattern to the control section 120, wherein the user is a passenger of the vehicle. According to the present embodiment, the user selects one dimming pattern of the first to fifth patterns Pt1 to Pt5 as described with reference to FIG. 4, via the control switch 140. A selection result via this control switch 140 is designated to the control section 120, wherein the control section 120 provides the driving output with an on-value to one or more AC voltage generating sections which are connected to one or more dimming films associated with the one designated dimming pattern. In the voltage applying section 110, one or more AC voltage generating sections which have received the driving output from the control section 120 apply the AC voltage as the dimming output to the associated dimming film(s), wherein the designated dimming pattern is obtained in the dimming glass 11 by this voltage application.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process which is performed in the dimming glass control device according to FIG. 1.

The control process as shown in this flowchart is started by switching the power supply to the dimming glass control device 100. Once the process has been started, it is first determined in the control section 120 to which of the first to fifth patterns Pt1 to Pt5 the control switch 140 is set (step S101).

If the control switch 140 is set to the first pattern Pt1, the control section 120 sets all of the first to sixth driving outputs Sg1 to Sg6 for the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 to an off-state (step S102). In this manner, all of the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 are switched off in the voltage applying section 110 (step S103). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the first pattern Pt1 in which all of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are non-transparent (step S104).

If the control switch 140 is set to the second pattern Pt2, the control section 120 sets the first to third driving outputs Sg1 to Sg3 for the first to third AC voltage generating sections 111 to 113 to an off-state (step S105). In the step S105, the control section 120 further sets the fourth to sixth driving outputs Sg4 to Sg6 for the fourth to sixth AC voltage generating sections 114 to 116 to an on-state. In this manner, the first to third dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-3 are switched off, while the fourth to sixth dimming outputs Vac-4 to Vac-6 are switched on (step S106). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the second pattern Pt2 in which the first to third dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-3 are non-transparent, wherein the fourth to sixth dimming films 11b-4 to 11b-6 are transparent (step S107).

If the control switch 140 is set to the third pattern Pt3, the control section 120 sets the first to third driving outputs Sg1 to Sg3 for the first to third AC voltage generating sections 111 to 113 to an on-state (step S108). In the step S108, the control section 120 further sets the fourth to sixth driving outputs Sg4 to Sg6 to an off-state. In this manner, the first to third dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-3 are switched on, while the fourth to sixth dimming outputs Vac-4 to Vac-6 are switched off (step S109). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the third pattern Pt3 in which the first to third dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-3 are transparent, wherein the fourth to sixth dimming films 11b-4 to 11b-6 are non-transparent (step S110).

If the control switch 140 is set to the fourth pattern Pt4, the control section 120 performs the following on/off-setting (step S111): the control section 120 sets the first driving output Sg1, third driving output Sg3 and fifth driving output Sg5 for the first AC voltage generating section 111, third AC voltage generating section 113 and fifth AC voltage generating section 115 to an off-state. The control section 120 further sets the second driving output Sg2, fourth driving output Sg4 and sixth driving output Sg6 for the second AC voltage generating section 112, fourth AC voltage generating section 114 and sixth AC voltage generating section 116 to an on-state. In this manner, the first dimming output Vac-1, third dimming output Vac-3 and fifth dimming output Vac-5 are switched off, while the second dimming output Vac-2, fourth dimming output Vac-4 and sixth dimming output Vac-6 are switched on (step S112). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the fourth dimming pattern Pt4 (step S113) in which the first dimming film 11b-1, third dimming film 11b-3 and fifth dimming film 11b-5 are non-transparent, while the second dimming film 11b-2, fourth dimming film 11b-4 and sixth dimming film 11b-6 are transparent.

If the control switch 140 is set to the fifth pattern Pt5, the control section 120 sets all of the first to sixth driving outputs Sg1 to Sg6 for the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 to an on-state (step S114). In this manner, all of the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 are switched on (step S115), wherein the dimming glass 11 is set to the fifth pattern Pt5 in which all of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are transparent (step S116).

After the dimming glass 11 is set to one dimming pattern in this manner, the control section 120 determines whether a switch change for switching the dimming pattern to another pattern has been carried out at the control switch 140 (step S117). If the switch change has been carried out (YES—determination in step S117), the process returns to step S101 and the following processes are repeated. If the switch change has not been carried out (NO—determination in step S117), the control section 120 determines whether it has been instructed that the process should be ended by a power supply shut-down (step S118). If such ending is not instructed (NO—determination in step S118), the process returns to step S117 and the following process is repeated. If the ending has been instructed (YES—determination in step S118), the control section 120 ends the control process according to this flowchart.

The dimming glass control device 100 and the dimming control system 1 according to the first embodiment as described above is provided such that one dimming pattern is designated out of the five dimming patterns as described above, i.e. the first to fifth patterns Pt1 to Pt5. The user can designate a dimming pattern, such as the second to fourth patterns Pt2 to Pt4, in which part of the dimming glass 11 is transparent and the remainder of the dimming glass 11 is non-transparent, so that after the designation, the blocking effect and the visibility of the outside can be simultaneously achieved to a certain extent without changing the transmittance each time. Of course, it is also possible to designate the first dimming pattern Pt1 with full non-transparency when full blocking is desired, while the fifth dimming pattern Pt5 with full transparency can be designated when a full visibility of the outside is desired. In this manner, the dimming glass control device 100 and dimming control system 1 according to the present embodiment enables the dimming glass 11 to be controlled while improving the user friendliness.

According to the present embodiment, as selectable dimming patterns, five dimming patterns are provided which includes all of the following first to fifth patterns Pt1 to Pt5:

the first pattern Pt1 is a full dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to all of six dimming films, i.e. the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6. The second pattern Pt2 and third pattern Pt3 are two continuous dimming patterns in which the AC voltage is applied to a continuous film group which is formed by two or more dimming films arranged continuously, wherein the patterns Pt2 and Pt3 differ from each other in that each of the two continuous film groups includes dimming films in different positions in the up-down direction. The fourth pattern Pt4 is one discontinuous dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to a discontinuous film group, the discontinuous film group being formed by two or more dimming films which are arranged discontinuously with another dimming film interposed therebetween, wherein no voltage is applied to the another dimming film. The fifth pattern Pt5 is a non-dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is not applied to any of the six dimming films. The full dimming pattern, non-dimming pattern, continuous dimming patterns and discontinuous dimming pattern according to the above-described configuration can be achieved with a plurality of dimming films (six dimming films according to the present embodiment), and are expected to be designated by a user with a high likelihood. According to the configuration as described above, at least one dimming pattern of such dimming patterns (all dimming patterns according to the present embodiment) is set as a dimming pattern for designation, which enables the user friendliness to be further improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the control section 120 is configured such that one dimming pattern of the first to fifth dimming patterns Pt1 to Pt5 is designated via operation of the control switch 140 by a passenger of the vehicle so as to be switchable. This configuration is preferable since it enables the dimming patterns to be easily changed via operation of the passenger.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the voltage applying section 110 includes the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 which are associated with the first to sixth dimming film 11b-1 to 11b-6 in a one-to-one manner. The control section 120 controls the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 in such a manner that only one or more of the first to sixth AC voltage generating sections 111 to 116 associated with the one designated dimming pattern generate the AC voltage. According to this configuration, six AC voltage generating sections are provided which are associated with the dimming films arranged on the dimming glass 11 in a one-to-one manner, which enables application of the AC voltage to the dimming films to be accomplished with high accuracy while suppressing e.g. mechanical operation errors.

The description of the first embodiment shall be ended here, and next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an exemplary variation of the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in configuration of the voltage applying section and corresponding operation of the control section. The description of the second embodiment below will be focused on differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of a dimming control system including a dimming glass control device according to the second embodiment. It is to be noted that in FIG. 6, similar elements to those according to the first embodiments as shown in FIG. 1 are indicated with the same reference signs as those used in FIG. 1, and the description of these similar elements will be omitted below.

In a dimming glass control device 200 of a dimming control system 2 according to the present embodiment, a voltage applying section 210 includes one AC voltage generating section 210a and first to sixth relays 211 to 216. The AC voltage generating section 210a converts a DC voltage from a battery 130 into an AC voltage. The first to sixth relays 211 to 216 are associated with first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 in a one-to-one manner, and connect each of the six dimming films to the AC voltage generating section 210a.

Further, a control section 220 first outputs an inverter signal Sg0 for instructing operation of the one AC voltage generating section 210a of the voltage applying section 210. Then, the control section 220 controls the first to sixth relays 211 to 216 in such a manner that only one or more of the relays 211 to 216 associated with the one dimming pattern which has been designated via a control switch 140 are switched to a conductive state. More specifically, the control section 220 provides a driving output to a relay coil of a relay associated with the one dimming pattern in order to cause a contact of the relay to be closed to which the driving output has been provided. With such a control, a dimming output in the form of AC voltage from the AC voltage generating section 210a is applied to a dimming film(s) connected to a conductive relay(s) so that the one designated dimming pattern is achieved in the dimming glass 11.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a flow of a control process which is performed in the dimming glass control device according to FIG. 6.

The control process as shown in this flowchart is started by switching the power supply to the dimming glass control device 200. Once the process has been started, first, the control section 220 provides the inverter signal Sg0 to the AC voltage generating section 210a of the voltage applying section 210 to start its generating operation of the AC voltage (step S201). Next, it is determined in the control section 220 to which of the first to fifth patterns Pt1 to Pt5 the control switch 140 is set (step S202).

If the control switch 140 is set to the first pattern Pt1, the control section 220 sets all of the first to sixth driving outputs Sg1 to Sg6 for the first to sixth relays 211 to 216 to an off-state (step S203). In this manner, all of the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 are switched off in the voltage applying section 210 (step S204). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the first pattern Pt1 in which all of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are non-transparent (step S205).

If the control switch 140 is set to the second pattern Pt2, the control section 220 sets the first to third driving outputs Sg1 to Sg3 for the first to third relays 211 to 213 to an off-state (step S206). In the step S206, the control section 220 further sets the fourth to sixth driving outputs Sg4 to Sg6 for the fourth to sixth relays 214 to 216 to an on-state. In this manner, the first to third dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-3 are switched off via the relays, while the fourth to sixth dimming outputs Vac-4 to Vac-6 are switched on (step S207). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the second pattern Pt2 in which the first to third dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-3 are non-transparent, wherein the fourth to sixth dimming films 11b-4 to 11b-6 are transparent (step S208).

If the control switch 140 is set to the third pattern Pt3, the control section 220 sets the first to third driving outputs Sg1 to Sg3 for the first to third relays 211 to 213 to an on-state (step S209). In the step S209, the control section 220 further sets the fourth to sixth driving outputs Sg4 to Sg6 for the fourth to sixth relays 214 to 216 to an off-state. In this manner, the first to third dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-3 are switched on via the relays, while the fourth to sixth dimming outputs Vac-4 to Vac-6 are switched off (step S210). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the third pattern Pt3 in which the first to third dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-3 are transparent, wherein the fourth to sixth dimming films 11b-4 to 11b-6 are non-transparent (step S211).

If the control switch 140 is set to the fourth pattern Pt4, the control section 220 performs the following on/off-setting (step S212): the control section 220 sets the first driving output Sg1, third driving output Sg3 and fifth driving output Sg5 for the first relay 211, third relay 213 and fifth relay 215 to an off-state. The control section 220 further sets the second driving output Sg2, fourth driving output Sg4 and sixth driving output Sg6 for the second relay 212, fourth relay 214 and sixth relay 216 to an on-state. In this manner, the first dimming output Vac-1, third dimming output Vac-3 and fifth dimming output Vac-5 are switched off via the relays, while the second dimming output Vac-2, fourth dimming output Vac-4 and sixth dimming output Vac-6 are switched on (step S213). As a result, the dimming glass 11 is set to the fourth dimming pattern Pt4 (step S214) in which the first dimming film 11b-1, third dimming film 11b-3 and fifth dimming film 11b-5 are non-transparent, while the second dimming film 11b-2, fourth dimming film 11b-4 and sixth dimming film 11b-6 are transparent.

If the control switch 140 is set to the fifth pattern Pt5, the control section 220 sets all of the first to sixth driving outputs Sg1 to Sg6 for the first to sixth relays 211 to 216 to an on-state (step S215). In this manner, all of the first to sixth dimming outputs Vac-1 to Vac-6 are switched on via the relays (step S216). Then, the dimming glass 11 is set to the fifth pattern Pt5 in which all of the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are non-transparent (step S217).

After the dimming glass 11 is set to one dimming pattern in this manner, the control section 220 determines whether a switch change for switching the dimming pattern to another pattern has been carried out at the control switch 140 (step S218). If the switch change has been carried out (YES—determination in step S218), the process returns to step S202 and the following processes are repeated. If the switch change has not been carried out (NO—determination in step S218), the control section 220 determines whether it has been instructed that the process should be ended by a power supply shut-down (step S219). If such ending is not instructed (NO—determination in step S219), the process returns to step S218 and the following process is repeated. If the ending has been instructed (YES—determination in step S219), the control section 220 ends the control process according to this flowchart.

Of course, the dimming glass control device 200 and dimming control system 2 according to the second embodiment as described above enables the dimming glass 11 to be controlled while improving the user friendliness in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, the voltage applying section 210 includes six relays and one AC voltage generating section 210a configured to output the AC voltage, wherein the six relays are associated with the six dimming films in a one-to-one manner and configured to connect each of the six dimming films to the AC voltage generating section 210a. The control section 220 controls the relays in such a manner that only one or more of the relays associated with one designated dimming pattern are switched to a conductive state. With such configuration, the number of AC voltage generating sections 210a to be installed is limited which are formed by DC/AC inverters with tendency to be expensive, i.e., only one AC voltage generating section 210a is necessary, and application of the AC voltage to the six dimming films is accomplished by the relays which are less expensive than the AC voltage generating section 210a. With such relays, it is possible to construct the dimming glass control device 200 while suppressing the costs.

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic block diagram of a dimming control system including a dimming glass control device according to a third embodiment. Further, FIG. 9 schematically shows a dimming glass according to FIG. 8, together with a sectional view along the line V31-V31 in FIG. 8.

In a dimming control system 3 as shown in FIG. 8, a dimming glass 31 includes two dimming films positioned on a windshield 31a of a vehicle on its upper end side in an up-down direction D31 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein the two dimming films are arranged in a vehicle width direction D32. A first dimming film 31b-1 of the two dimming films is positioned in a first region 31a-1, and a second dimming film 31b-2 of the two dimming films is positioned in a second region 31a-2, wherein the first region 31a-1 and second region 31a-2 are intended to be located on a driver seat side and a passenger seat side when seen from the inside of the vehicle cabin, respectively. According to the present embodiment, the first region 31a-1 and second region 31a-2, and thus, the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 have a vertical width L31 in the up-down direction D31 which is smaller than a vertical width L32 of the windshield 31a multiplied by 0.3. In this manner, the dimming glass 31 is configured such that a front field of view for passengers may not be blocked even when the both of the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are non-transparent.

Such first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are arranged in the first region 31a-1 and second region 31a-2 so as to be interposed between two glass panes 31c. Furthermore, a pair of electric wires 31d is connected to each of the dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2, wherein the pair of electric wires 31d serves for applying an AC voltage to each of the dimming films. The first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are film elements having transmittances of light which are changed depending on the AC voltage applied via the respective pairs of electric wires 31d.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a voltage applying section 310 and a control section 320 are configured with the two dimming films in such a manner that the four following dimming patterns can be set for the dimming glass 31:

FIG. 10 schematically shows four types of dimming pattern which may be set for the dimming glass according to FIG. 8.

First, a first pattern Pt31 is a full dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to all of the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2. In the full dimming pattern according to the present embodiment, all of the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are transparent.

A second pattern Pt32 is a non-dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is not applied to any of the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2. In the non-dimming pattern according to the present embodiment, all of the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are non-transparent, wherein the windshield 31a is blocked on its upper end side across the entire width in the vehicle width direction D32.

A third pattern Pt33 is a passenger seat side dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to the second dimming film 31b-2 which is located on the passenger seat side. In the passenger seat side dimming pattern according to the present embodiment, the second dimming film 31b-2 on the passenger seat side is transparent while the first dimming film 31b-1 on the driver seat side is non-transparent, wherein the windshield 31a is blocked on its upper end side and on the driver seat side.

A fourth pattern Pt34 is a driver seat side dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to the first dimming film 31b-1 which is located on the driver seat side. In the driver seat side dimming pattern according to the present embodiment, the first dimming film 31b-1 on the driver seat side is transparent while the second dimming film 31b-2 on the passenger seat side is non-transparent, wherein the windshield 31a is blocked on its upper end side and on the passenger seat side.

The voltage applying section 310 according to FIG. 8 includes a first AC voltage generating section 311 and a second AC voltage generating section 312 which are associated with the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 on the dimming glass 31 in a one-to-one manner. Both of the first AC voltage generating section 311 and second AC voltage generating section 312 are configured as DC/AC inverters which convert a DC voltage of a battery 330 into an AC voltage. The first AC voltage generating section 311 and second AC voltage generating section 312 are connected to the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 via the electric wires 31d as shown in FIG. 9 so that the AC voltage generating sections 311 and 312 can apply the first dimming output Vac-31 and a second dimming output Vac-32 to the dimming films 31b-1 and 31b-2.

Further, the control section 320 is configured to control the voltage applying section 310. Similarly to the control section 120 according to the first embodiment, a BCM installed in the vehicle functions as the control section 320 according to the present embodiment. The control section 320 provides a first driving output Sg31 and a second driving output Sg32 to the first AC voltage generating section 311 and second AC voltage generating section 312 of the voltage applying section 310 to control a voltage output of each of the AC voltage generating sections, wherein the first driving output Sg31 and second driving output Sg32 are binary signals having on/off values.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the battery 330 is an on-board DC power supply for a vehicle, wherein a DC voltage is provided from this battery 330 to each of the first AC voltage generating section 311 and second AC voltage generating section 312 of the voltage applying section 310. Each of the AC voltage generating section converts this DC voltage into an AC voltage as described above.

A control switch 340 is a section which receives a switchable selecting operation of a dimming pattern by a user and designates the received dimming pattern to the control section 320 similarly to the first embodiment, wherein the user is a passenger of the vehicle. According to the present embodiment, the user selects one dimming pattern of the first to fourth patterns Pt31 to Pt34 as described with reference to FIG. 10, via the control switch 340. A selection result via this control switch 340 is designated to the control section 320, wherein the control section 320 provides the driving output with an on-value to one or more AC voltage generating sections which are connected to one or more dimming films associated with the one designated dimming pattern. In the voltage applying section 310, one or more AC voltage generating sections which have received the driving output from the control section 320 applies the AC voltage as the dimming output to the associated dimming film(s), wherein the designated dimming pattern is obtained in the dimming glass 31 by this voltage application.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic flowchart of a flow of a control process which is performed in the dimming glass control device according to FIG. 8.

The control process as shown in this flowchart is started by switching the power supply to the dimming glass control device 300. Once the process has been started, it is first determined in the control section 320 to which of the first to fourth patterns Pt31 to Pt34 the control switch 340 is set (step S301).

If the control switch 340 is set to the first pattern Pt31, the control section 320 sets all of the first driving output Sg31 and second driving output Sg32 for the first AC voltage generating section 311 and second AC voltage generating section 312 to an on-state (step S302). In this manner, all of the first dimming output Vac-31 and second dimming output Vac-32 are switched on in the voltage applying section 310 (step S303). As a result, the dimming glass 31 is set to the first pattern Pt31 in which both of the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are transparent (step S304).

If the control switch 340 is set to the second pattern Pt32, the control section 320 sets all of the first driving output Sg31 and second driving output Sg32 to an off-state (step S305). In this manner, all of the first dimming output Vac-31 and second dimming output Vac-32 are switched off (step S306). As a result, the dimming glass 31 is set to the second pattern Pt32 in which both of the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are non-transparent (step S307).

If the control switch 340 is set to the third pattern Pt33, the control section 320 sets the first driving output Sg31 to an off-state, and sets the second driving output Sg32 to an on-state (step S308). In this manner, the first dimming output Vac-31 is switched off, while the second dimming output Vac-32 is switched on (step S309). As a result, the dimming glass 31 is set to the third pattern Pt33 in which the first dimming film 31b-1 on the driver seat side is non-transparent, wherein the second dimming film 31b-2 on the passenger seat side is transparent (step S310).

If the control switch 340 is set to the fourth pattern Pt34, the control section 320 sets the first driving output Sg31 to an on-state, and sets the second driving output Sg32 to an off-state (step S311). In this manner, the first dimming output Vac-31 is switched on, while the second dimming output Vac-32 is switched off (step S312). As a result, the dimming glass 31 is set to the fourth pattern Pt34 in which the first dimming film 31b-1 on the driver seat side is transparent, wherein the second dimming film 31b-2 on the passenger seat side is non-transparent (step S313).

After the dimming glass 31 is set to one dimming pattern in this manner, the control section 320 determines whether a switch change for switching the dimming pattern to another pattern has been carried out at the control switch 340 (step S314). If the switch change has been carried out (YES—determination in step S314), the process returns to step S301 and the following processes are repeated. If the switch change has not been carried out (NO—determination in step S314), the control section 320 determines whether it has been instructed that the process should be ended by a power supply shut-down (step S315). If such ending is not instructed (NO—determination in step S315), the process returns to step S314 and the following process is repeated. If the ending has been instructed (YES—determination in step S315), the control section 320 ends the control process according to this flowchart.

Of course, the dimming glass control device 300 and dimming control system 3 according to the third embodiment as described above enables the dimming glass 31 to be controlled while improving the user friendliness in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, the dimming glass 31 includes two dimming films arranged on a upper end side of the windshield 31a of the vehicle, wherein four dimming patterns are provided which include all of the following first to fourth patterns Pt31 to Pt34: the first pattern Pt31 is a full dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to all of two dimming films, i.e. the first dimming film 31b-1 on the driver seat side and the second dimming film 31b-2 on the passenger seat side. The second pattern Pt32 is a non-dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is not applied to any of the two dimming films. The third pattern Pt33 is a passenger seat side dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to the second dimming film 31b-2 on the passenger seat side. The fourth pattern Pt34 is a driver seat side dimming pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to the first dimming film 31b-1 on the driver seat side.

Although full blocking is not acceptable for a windshield 31a of a vehicle, there is a high demand for partial blocking on the upper end side for the purpose of preventing glare. According to the above-described configuration, all of the full dimming pattern, non-dimming pattern, driver seat side dimming pattern, and passenger seat side dimming pattern are applied—as dimming patterns to be designated—to the upper end side of the windshield 31a. These dimming patterns are highly desired for users on driver seats and passenger seats which are facing the windshield 31a, and thus expected to be designated by such users with a high likelihood. According to the configuration as described above, at least one dimming pattern of such dimming patterns is set as a dimming pattern for designation, which enables the user friendliness to be further improved.

It is to be noted that the first to third embodiments as described above merely show representative embodiments for the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. This means that various modifications may be implemented without departing from the core of the present invention. It is to be understood that such various modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include features of the dimming glass control device and dimming control system.

For example, although as examples for the dimming films, the first to third embodiments show dimming films having a transmittance which is substantially 100%, i.e. transparent, when applying an AC voltage, and substantially 0%, i.e. non-transparent, without voltage application, as shown in FIG. 3, the dimming films are not limited thereto. Unlike the example according to FIG. 3, they may be non-transparent when applying the AC voltage, and transparent without voltage application. Furthermore, the change of transmittance depending on AC voltage application is not limited to a change between substantially 100% and substantially 0%, but specific values of the transmittance may be configured in any appropriate manner as long as the transmittance is changed depending on the application. Furthermore, although as an example of the AC voltage for changing the transmittance, an AC voltage of ±50 V and 50 Hz to 60 Hz has been shown, specific amplitude values and/or frequency of the AC voltage may be also configured in an appropriate manner.

Further, the first and second embodiments show the dimming glass 11 with the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 as an example for the dimming glass, wherein the first to sixth dimming films 11b-1 to 11b-6 are positioned in six regions of the window glass 11a which are obtained by dividing the window glass 11a into six in the up-down direction D11. Furthermore, the third embodiment shows the dimming glass 31 with the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 by way of example, wherein the first dimming film 31b-1 and second dimming film 31b-2 are arranged in two regions of the windshield 31a which are obtained by dividing the upper end side of the windshield 31a into two regions on the driver seat side and passenger seat side with the vehicle width direction D32. However, the dimming glass is not limited thereto, but a direction of arrangement and the number of dimming films to be arranged on the dimming glass may be configured in any appropriate manner. For example, a plurality of dimming films may be positioned in a plurality of regions of a window glass other than a windshield, the regions being obtained by dividing the window glass in the vehicle width direction, and/or a plurality of dimming films may be positioned in regions obtained by dividing the window glass in a lattice shape. In the case of lattice-shaped arrangement, e.g. a dimming pattern such as a checked pattern may be provided. Furthermore, when a plurality of dimming films is arranged on the upper end side of a windshield, three or more dimming films may be arranged in the vehicle width direction in the case where the driver seat side and/or passenger seat side may be provided. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that a plurality of dimming films is positioned in regions which are obtained by dividing the upper end side of the windshield in a lattice shape, wherein the dimming pattern such as a checked pattern may be provided on the upper end side of the windshield.

As examples for the dimming patterns which can be set, the first and second embodiments further show the first to fifth dimming patterns Pt1 to Pt5 including the full dimming pattern, non-dimming pattern, continuous dimming patterns and discontinuous dimming pattern. In addition, two patterns have been shown as examples for continuous dimming patterns, i.e., the second pattern Pt2 with AC voltage application to the dimming films in the lower half of the window glass 11a, and the third pattern Pt3 with AC voltage application to the dimming films in the upper half of the window glass 11a. As an example for the discontinuous dimming pattern, one pattern has been shown above, i.e., the fourth pattern Pt4 in which the AC voltage is applied to every second dimming film, totally three dimming films. However, the dimming patterns which can be set are not limited thereto, but any specific form of pattern may be used as long as a plurality of dimming patterns is provided which differs from each other in at least one of the number of dimming films or a position of a dimming film for AC voltage application. However, as described above, it is possible to further improve the user friendliness by applying the first to fifth dimming patterns Pt1 to Pt5. Here, it is to be noted that in the case where a plurality of dimming patterns including the full dimming pattern, non-dimming pattern, continuous dimming pattern(s) and discontinuous dimming pattern(s) can be set, it is sufficient that the dimming patterns include at least one of these specific dimming patterns. Further, the continuous dimming pattern is not limited to the two patterns, but any specific form of pattern may be provided which is one or a plurality of patterns which differs from each other in at least one of the number or positions of dimming films forming a continuous film group. Likewise, the discontinuous dimming pattern is not limited to the one pattern, but any form of pattern may be provided which is another single pattern or a plurality of patterns which differs from each other in at least one of the number or positions of dimming films forming a discontinuous film group.

Furthermore, as examples for the dimming patterns which can be set for a windshield, the third embodiment shows the first to fourth dimming patterns Pt31 to Pt34 including the full dimming pattern, non-dimming pattern, driver seat side dimming pattern and passenger seat side dimming pattern. As an example for the driver seat side dimming pattern, the third embodiment further shows the fourth pattern Pt34 in which the AC voltage is applied to one dimming film on the driver seat side with respect to the vehicle width direction D32, i.e. the first dimming film 31b-1. As an example for the passenger seat side dimming pattern, the third embodiment further shows the third pattern Pt33 in which the AC voltage is applied to one dimming film on the passenger seat side with respect to the vehicle width direction D32, i.e. the second dimming film 31b-2. However, the dimming patterns which can be set for a windshield are not limited thereto, but any specific form of pattern may be used as long as a plurality of dimming patterns is provided which differs from each other in at least one of the number of dimming films or a position of a dimming film for AC voltage application. However, as described above, it is possible to further improve the user friendliness by applying the first to fourth dimming patterns Pt31 to Pt34 for a windshield. Here, it is to be noted that in the case where a plurality of dimming patterns including the full dimming pattern, non-dimming pattern, driver seat side dimming pattern and passenger seat side dimming pattern can be set, it is sufficient that the dimming patterns include at least one of these specific dimming patterns. Furthermore, the driver seat side dimming pattern may be a pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to a plurality of dimming films arranged on the driver seat side. Likewise, the passenger seat side dimming pattern may be a pattern in which the AC voltage is applied to a plurality of dimming films arranged on the passenger seat side.

Furthermore, as examples for the control section, the first to third embodiments show the control section 120, 220, 320 for which one dimming pattern of the plurality of dimming patterns is designated via operation by a passenger of a vehicle so as to be switchable. However, the control section is not limited thereto, but may be configured such that a dimming pattern is designated automatically under some setting condition without passenger operation. However, as described above, the control section 120, 220, 320 is preferable for which a dimming pattern is designated via operation by a passenger, since the dimming patterns can be easily switched.

Further, as examples for the voltage applying section and control section, the first and third embodiments show the voltage applying section 110, 310 and control section 120, 320, wherein the voltage applying section 110, 310 includes a plurality of AC voltage generating sections, and the control section 120, 320 is configured to operate only an AC voltage generating section which associated with the designated pattern. However, the voltage applying section and control section are not limited thereto, but may be e.g. the voltage applying section 210 with one AC voltage generating section and a plurality of relays as well as the control section 220 which brings only a relay associated with the designated pattern into a conductive state, as the second embodiment. However, as described above, it is possible to apply the AC voltage with high accuracy by the voltage applying section 110, 310 with a plurality of AC voltage generating sections and by the control section 120, 320 configured to control such AC voltage generating sections.

Furthermore, as examples for the voltage applying section and control section, the second embodiment shows the voltage applying section 210 with one AC voltage generating section and a plurality of relays as well as the control section 220 which brings only a relay associated with the designated pattern into a conductive state. However, the voltage applying section and control section are not limited thereto. The voltage applying section and control section may be e.g. the AC voltage generating section 110, 310 with a plurality of AC voltage generating sections as well as the control section 120, 320 which operates only an AC voltage generating section associated to the designated pattern, similarly to the first and third embodiments. However, as described above, it is possible to construct a dimming glass control device with less costs by the voltage applying section 210 with one AC voltage generating section and a plurality of relays and by the control section 220 configured to control such a voltage applying section 210.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1, 2, 3 Dimming control system

11, 31 Dimming glass

11
a Window glass

11
a-1, 31a-1 First regions

11
a-2, 31a-2 Second regions

11
a-3 Third regions

11
a-4 Fourth regions

11
a-5 Fifth regions

11
a-6 Sixth regions

11
b-1, 31b-1 First dimming film

11
b-2, 31b-2 Second dimming film

11
b-3 Third dimming film

11
b-4 Fourth dimming film

11
b-5 Fifth dimming film

11
b-6 Sixth dimming film

11
c, 31c Glass panes

11
d, 31d Electric wires

31
a Windshield

100, 200, 300 Dimming glass control device

110, 210, 310 Voltage applying section

111, 311 First AC voltage generating section

112, 312 Second AC voltage generating section

113 Third AC voltage generating section

114 Fourth AC voltage generating section

115 Fifth AC voltage generating section

116 Sixth AC voltage generating section

120, 220, 320 Control section

130, 330 Battery

140, 340 Control switch

210
a AC voltage generating section

211 First relay

212 Second relay

213 Third relay

214 Fourth relay

215 Fifth relay

216 Sixth relay

D11, D31 Up-down direction

D32 Vehicle width direction

L31, L32 Vertical width

Sg1, Sg31 First driving output

Sg2, Sg32 Second driving output

Sg3 Third driving output

Sg4 Fourth driving output

Sg5 Fifth driving output

Sg6 Sixth driving output

Pt1, Pt31 First pattern

Pt2, Pt32 Second pattern

Pt3, Pt33 Third pattern

Pt4, Pt34 Fourth pattern

Pt5 Fifth pattern

Vac-1, Vac-31 First dimming output

Vac-2, Vac-32 Second dimming output

Vac-3 Third dimming output

Vac-4 Fourth dimming output

Vac-5 Fifth dimming output

Vac-6 Sixth dimming output

DIMMING GLASS CONTROL DEVICE AND DIMMING CONTROL SYSTEM

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Abstract

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