Bionic sun protection device

Abstract

A sun protection device for shielding a light-transmitting surface is described, the sun protection device comprising a light-transmitting component having a surface and a plurality of surface elements arranged in a grid on the surface and designed to vary their transmittance. The sun protection device comprises at least one device for determining the radiant intensity of sunlight, at least one device for determining the direction of sunlight, and a control unit designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements in a manner dependent on the radiant intensity and the direction of sunlight, so that the selected surface elements produce a pattern that can vary in a manner dependent on the direction of sunlight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a sun protection device for shielding light-transmitting surfaces, particularly sun protection devices for sunroofs and vehicles, and methods for operating the sun protection device to shield light-transmitting surfaces. Background Art

[0002] Skylights, particularly for motor vehicles, typically provide the user with a defined level of shade and heat transfer defined by the construction of the skylight. This can be perceived as uncomfortable by many passengers and users, particularly in connection with skylights in passenger compartments. For example, there is often a conflict of being too hot or too bright for the passengers.

[0003] US Patent No. 8,102,586 B2 discloses a window shade system for houses and vehicles which is automatically electronically controlled, wherein the window(s) are partially tinted in a manner dependent on the intensity and direction of light.

[0004] Against the background that has been presented, there is an interest in improved sun protection devices that counteract the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is therefore desirable to provide an improved sun protection device for shielding light-transmitting surfaces and a method for operating a sun protection device that can in particular be flexibly considered in light conditions obtained in a given situation. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sun protection device for shielding a light-transmitting surface is provided. The sun protection device comprises a light-transmitting component having a surface, a plurality of surface elements arranged on the surface in a grid form and designed to change transmittance, and at least one device for determining the radiant intensity of sunlight. The sun protection device also comprises at least one device for determining the direction of sunlight, and a control unit, the control unit being designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements based on the radiant intensity and the direction of sunlight, so that the selected surface elements produce a pattern that can be changed based on the direction of sunlight.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sun protection shielding device is provided. The sun protection shielding device includes a light-transmitting component having a surface, a variable transmittance element arranged on the surface, a device for determining the direction of sunlight irradiation, and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements based on the direction of sunlight irradiation, so that the selected surface elements produce a pattern that changes according to the direction of sunlight irradiation.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a sun protection device to shade a light-transmitting surface is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing variable transmittance elements in the form of a grid arranged on the surface of the light-transmitting component, determining the radiant intensity of sunlight impinging on the surface, determining the direction of the sunlight impinging relative to the surface, reducing the transmittance of a selected number of elements based on the radiant intensity, and selecting the elements for positions on the surface so that a pattern is generated and the pattern is changed according to the direction of the sunlight impinging.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention upon studying the following specification, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the attached picture:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sun protection device in the form of a sunroof for a motor vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detail of the skylight surface shown in the perspective view and the resulting cast shadows;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of the detail of the surface of the sun shield shown in and the resulting cast shadow;

[0013] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the projection of the direction of sunlight impinging on the surface of the sun protection device, and

[0014] Figure 5 is a side view of an example of a motor vehicle employing the sun protection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 A sun protection device 4 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. In this practical variant, the device 4 is configured as a sunroof for a vehicle. The sun protection device 4 can also be used for window glass, glass roof, glass wall or substantially light-transmitting window, door, wall or other component. In the case of a vehicle-related application, the vehicle can be, for example, an aircraft, a ship or a motor vehicle 15 (e.g. a bus, a truck, a motorcycle or other motor vehicle).

[0016] exist Figure 1In the embodiment shown, a seat 6 of a motor vehicle is shown in an exemplary manner in the passenger compartment, above which a roof (not shown explicitly) with a light-transmitting surface is arranged. The roof comprises a skylight and is configured with a sun protection device 4 according to one embodiment.

[0017] The sun protection device 4 comprises a light-transmitting component 16 with a surface 17 and a plurality of surface elements 8 arranged in the form of a grid on the surface 17. The surface elements 8 are designed to change their transmittance, in particular their transmittance for visible light. In the example shown, the transmittance of the surface element marked by reference numeral 9 has been reduced. In the example shown, the transmittance of the surface element 9 marked by reference numeral 9 has been reduced. In this example, the surface element 9 is therefore colored. By means of the surface elements 8 and 9 that have been partially colored, or more precisely the surface elements 8 and 9 whose transmittance is reduced, a projected shadow is generated on the vehicle seat 6, that is to say, for example in the passenger compartment. The projected shadow is marked by reference numeral 7.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the device 4 further comprises at least one device for determining the radiant intensity of the sunlight radiation 2. Figure 1 In the diagram, the sun is schematically indicated by reference numeral 1. The radiation emitted from the sun 1 is schematically indicated by a cone of light 2. The direction in which the sunlight 2 impinges on the surface 17 is indicated by reference numeral 3 by an arrow. The projection of the impingement direction 3 on the surface 17 is indicated by reference numeral 5 by an arrow.

[0019] Furthermore, the sun protection device 4 also comprises at least one device 20 for determining the direction of incidence 3 of the sunlight. The device 20 for determining the radiation intensity and the device for determining the direction of incidence of the sunlight can each comprise one or more sensors (e.g. light sensors). The radiation intensity and the direction of incidence can also be determined, for example, by using a single device. In principle, the at least one device 20 can be arranged on or against the roof of the motor vehicle or can be designed for arrangement on or against the roof of the motor vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, the sun protection device 4 according to one embodiment comprises Figure 3 The control unit 10 shown in FIG. The control unit 10 is designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements 8 and 9 in a manner dependent on the radiation intensity and the irradiation direction 3 of the sunlight, so that the selected surface elements 9 form or generate a pattern that can be changed in a manner dependent on the irradiation direction 3 of the sunlight.

[0021] exist Figure 1In the variant shown, the pattern is formed by the surface element marked with reference numeral 9. The pattern shown comprises a plurality of triangular structures. The pattern is constructed in the form of Sierpinski triangles. Thus, the pattern comprises a fractal and presents a schematic imitation of the cast shadow of a tree.

[0022] In principle, it is advantageous if the density of the selected surface elements 9 decreases in the projection direction 5 (corresponding to the projection of the solar radiation 3) onto the surface 17. As a result, it is ensured that the areas of the surface 17 most affected by the solar radiation are darkened most intensively.

[0023] The projection direction 5 is formed or determined in Figure 4 In the example shown therein, starting from the vertical or perpendicular line 12 of the sun 1 in the direction of the earth, starting from the illumination direction 3, and starting from the illumination direction 3 in the horizontal line 13 along the surface 17, a right triangle is formed. In this case, the direction of the horizontal line 13 on the surface 17 specifies the projection direction 5.

[0024] exist Figure 2 , a detail of a surface 17 of a device 4 according to an embodiment is shown in a perspective view on an enlarged scale. Furthermore, the resulting cast shadow 7 is schematically presented below. Variations of the cast shadow 7 or variations of the resulting pattern are marked by arrows 11. The shadow pattern preferably varies based on the position of the sun 1 or in a manner depending on the illumination direction 3 and its projection direction 5 on the surface 17. Selected surface elements 9, whose transmittance is reduced, can be displaced by a defined number of surface elements in a defined direction 11 on the surface 17, for example, when the angle of the illumination direction 3 or its projection direction 5 changes. In other words, the selection of the position of the surface elements 9 whose transmittance is reduced is changed.

[0025] Figure 3 A detail of a sun protection device 4 according to an embodiment is schematically shown in a top view. Figure 3 , the lower part of the figure shows in a top view the cast shadow 7 resulting from the detail shown in the upper part. Darkly shaded surface elements 9 represent those surface elements whose transmittance is reduced. Brightly rendered surface elements 8 mark surface elements whose transmittance is not changed, that is to say, for example, completely transparent surface elements. All surface elements 8 and 9 are connected to a control unit 10 (for example an electronic control unit (ECU)) and can be controlled (for example regulated) by this unit.

[0026] The control unit 10 is designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements 9 in a manner dependent on the radiation intensity and the irradiation direction 3 of the sunlight 2, so that the selected surface elements 9 generate a pattern. In this regard, the generated pattern can be changed in a manner dependent on the irradiation direction 3 of the sunlight 2 or its projection direction 5 on the surface 17.

[0027] In a method for operating a sun protection device (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the context of a method for a skylight as shown in FIG. 1 , the radiation intensity of the solar radiation onto a surface 17 is determined. The direction of the solar radiation 5 relative to the surface 17 is determined. If the radiation intensity exceeds a threshold value, the transmittance of a plurality of surface elements 9 is reduced. These elements are thus darkened. In this case, the number of selected surface elements is defined in a manner dependent on the radiation intensity and the surface elements are selected with respect to their position on the surface 17 in such a way that a pattern is generated. The pattern changes in a manner dependent on the direction of radiation 3 of the sunlight or its projection direction 5. Preferably, the generation of the pattern already previously based on Figure 1-3 The described pattern includes a triangular structure.

[0028] Surface elements 8 and 9 may comprise glass. In addition, many or all surface elements may comprise materials comprising electrochromic materials and / or thermochromic materials and / or micro-blinds and / or nanocrystalline materials and / or PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) materials and / or liquid crystal materials. In a particular embodiment, surface 17 may be coated with an LCD (liquid crystal display) film (e.g. an electrochromic LCD film).

[0029] Figure 5 A motor vehicle 15 is schematically shown according to one embodiment. The vehicle comprises a roof 18 and a Figure 1-4 The design shown is a sun protection device 4 for a sunroof.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the sun protection device 4 for shielding the light-transmitting surface comprises a light-transmitting component with a surface and a plurality of surface elements arranged on the surface in a grid form. The surface elements are designed to change their transmittance, in particular their transmittance for visible light. The sun protection device comprises at least one device (e.g., a sensor) for determining the radiant intensity (e.g., luminous intensity) of sunlight, at least one device for determining the direction of sunlight exposure, and a control unit. The control unit is designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements in a manner according to the radiant intensity and the direction of exposure of the sunlight, so that the selected surface elements form or generate a pattern. The control unit is particularly designed to select the surface elements whose transmittance is being reduced, so that these elements form or generate a pattern comprising a plurality of triangular structures. The pattern can be changed in a manner according to the direction of exposure of the sunlight.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the sun protection device 4 has the advantage that it makes possible a variation of the pattern produced and of the shaded surface and therefore of the degree of the shade. For example, the intensity of the shade and the shape of the shade can be adapted to the cast shadows of the shade providers that occur in nature, such as the cast shadows of trees. In this way, a very organic shade can be obtained and is perceived as pleasant by the user. In this case, the above-mentioned problems of too strong or too light a shade and, accordingly, a correspondingly too strong or too light heat evolution are simultaneously counteracted.

[0032] The surface elements arranged in a grid may have been arranged side by side in one plane. They may have been connected to each other. The surface elements may be configured as pixel elements or mosaic elements. The control unit is preferably configured as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0033] In a preferred configuration, the control unit is designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements in a manner dependent on the radiation intensity (e.g. luminous intensity) and the illumination direction of the sunlight, so that the selected surface elements form or generate a pattern comprising a plurality of triangular structures. The control unit is particularly designed to select the surface elements whose transmittance is being reduced, so that these elements form or generate a pattern comprising a plurality of triangular structures.

[0034] The generation of patterns comprising, and in particular formed of, triangular structures has the advantage that they are particularly suitable for imitating cast shadows produced by trees or shrubs. This means that shading towards cast shadows that occur in nature can be achieved. The dynamic adaptation achieved by the shape and design of the pattern to the direction of the sun's rays and the possibility of such adaptation reflect the variations in the direction and size of cast shadows that occur in nature.

[0035] The control unit 10 is preferably designed to reduce the density of selected surface elements in the direction in which the solar radiation is projected onto the surface. In other words, the surface areas facing the sun are darkened more strongly. This is also the case with plants or objects in nature that naturally cast shadows, and similarly the strongest darkening is observed at locations where the objects providing the shielding are geometrically arranged between the sun and the observer.

[0036] In a particularly advantageous configuration, the control unit 10 is designed to select the surface elements such that these elements produce a pattern that simulates the cast shadow of a tree. This has the advantage that the user feels that he / she is in a natural environment, and generally this is perceived by him / her as pleasant. Furthermore, by designing the cast shadow oriented towards nature, it is ensured that a harmonious relationship is obtained between sufficient shading or darkening, and the thermal evolution associated with the darkening.

[0037] In another variant, the control unit 10 can be designed to select surface elements such that these elements generate a pattern comprising a fractal. In particular, the control unit can be designed to select surface elements such that these elements generate a pattern in the form of a Sierpinski triangle. The use of fractals or structures comprising fractals, in particular the use of Sierpinski triangles, has the advantage that this type of pattern is mathematically relatively easy to translate into actual reality and reflects both natural events and development processes. For example, the cast shadow of a tree can be imitated in a simple and direct manner with the help of a fractal, for example with the help of one or more Sierpinski triangles.

[0038] Many surface elements (e.g. all surface elements being used) may comprise a material comprising glass and / or electrochromic material and / or thermochromic material and / or micro shutters - that is to say switchable glass - and / or nanocrystalline material and / or PDLC material (in particular PDLC glass (PDLC-polymer dispersed liquid crystal)) and / or liquid crystal material. In particular, the surface of the device may have been coated with an LCD film (LCD-liquid crystal display). With the aid of said materials, the switchability of the surface element with respect to its transmittance can be transformed into practical reality in an exemplary manner.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a sunroof (which can be designed in particular for a vehicle) comprises the previously described device. According to the vehicle of this embodiment, the previously described device and / or the sunroof can be included. In an exemplary variant, the vehicle can include a plurality of window panes or mirrors equipped with the above-described device.

[0040] The skylight and the vehicle according to one embodiment have substantially the same features and properties and advantages as the above-described sun protection device 4. The vehicle 15 can be a motor vehicle, in particular a bus, a truck, a motorcycle, but can also be a ship or an aircraft. In the case of a ship or an aircraft, the control unit 10 can be designed to select surface elements such that these elements produce a pattern that simulates the cast shadow of at least one cloud.

[0041] The method for operating a sun protection device 4 for shielding a light-transmitting surface according to one embodiment relates to a sun protection device, which includes a light-transmitting component having a surface and a plurality of surface elements arranged on the surface in a grid form. In this regard, the surface elements are designed to change their transmittance, in particular to change their transmittance for visible light. The surface elements can be arranged side by side in a plane. The surface elements can be connected to each other. Within the scope of the method, the radiation intensity, in particular the luminous intensity, of the sunlight irradiating onto the surface is determined. In addition, the direction of the sunlight irradiation relative to the surface is determined. If the radiation intensity (in particular the luminous intensity) exceeds a threshold value, the transmittance of a certain number of surface elements is reduced. In this case, the number of surface elements is defined in a manner according to the radiation intensity, and they are selected for the position of the surface element needle on the surface so that a pattern is generated. The pattern changes in a manner according to the direction of the sunlight.

[0042] The method according to this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with the above-described sun protection device 4. The method substantially has the advantages already described above. In particular, by changing the pattern produced in a manner according to the direction of the sun's rays, a cast shadow that is perceived as natural can be produced. In this case, the cast shadow can preferably imitate the cast shadows that occur in nature from plants (e.g. trees) or clouds.

[0043] The surface elements are preferably selected with regard to their position on the surface such that a pattern comprising a plurality of triangular structures is produced. In an advantageous variant, the surface elements are selected such that the density of the selected surface elements decreases in the projection direction of the direction of the sun's impact on the surface. The surface elements can essentially be selected such that they produce a pattern that simulates the cast shadows of a tree. This is perceived by the user as being particularly pleasant and has the advantage that a harmonious relationship of shading and the evolution of heat caused by the shading can be produced.

[0044] The surface elements are preferably selected so that a pattern comprising a fractal is generated. For example, the surface elements may be selected so that they generate a pattern in the form of at least one Sierpinski triangle.

[0045] In principle, the above-mentioned patterns, in particular patterns imitating the cast shadows of trees, or patterns comprising fractals, can on the one hand be generated by surface elements with reduced transmittance, that is to say colored surface elements. However, suitable patterns can also be generated by using uncolored surface elements, that is to say surface elements with unreduced transmittance. In this way, for example, the cast shadows of trees can be simulated as negative images.

[0046] In principle, the surface elements used within the scope of the method can include the materials described above in connection with the sun protection device 4 according to the disclosed embodiment. In particular, the surface of the sun protection device 4 can be coated with an LCD film (LCD-liquid-crystal display).

[0047] The sun shield 4 of the present invention provides a structure of a sun shield inspired by nature, which for example imitates a shadow pattern similar to the cast shadow of a tree. The cast shadow facing the natural shadow providers occurring in nature reduces the above-mentioned disadvantages of the shading devices known so far for transparent surfaces, in particular for windows and roofs.

[0048] In this case, the size and geometry of the shadow pattern generated within the scope of the invention can be adjusted in such a way that the generated pattern presents the most advantageous form for the user with respect to the generated cast shadow. In this way, a particularly advantageous combination of darkening (e.g. coloring) of the transparent surface and the associated heat generation can be obtained. The distribution of light under a tree observed in nature represents an example worth emulating, since here a combination of an optimal temperature and a simultaneously sufficient (in particular to ensure plant growth) sunlight exposure is already achieved in a natural way and in a natural form.

[0049] Other features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention are described in more detail here based on embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. All features described so far and below are advantageous in this regard, either individually or in any combination with each other. The embodiments described here represent only an example, but do not limit the subject matter of the present invention.

[0050] It is to be understood that changes and modifications may be made in the foregoing constructions without departing from the inventive concepts and that these concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless such claims are expressly stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A sun protection device for shielding a light-transmitting surface, comprising: a light-transmitting component having a surface; a plurality of surface elements arranged in a grid on the surface and designed to vary transmittance; at least one device for determining the radiant intensity of sunlight exposure; at least one device for determining the direction of sunlight; and a control unit, the control unit being designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements based on the radiation intensity and the irradiation direction of the sunlight, so that the selected surface elements generate a pattern that can be changed according to the irradiation direction of the sunlight and the selected surface elements generate a pattern including a plurality of triangular structures; Therein, the control unit is designed to reduce the density of the selected surface elements in the projection direction of the direction of solar radiation entering the surface.

2. The sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is designed to select the surface elements to produce a pattern that simulates a cast shadow by a tree.

3. The sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is designed to select the surface elements to generate a pattern comprising a fractal.

4. The sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is designed to select the surface elements to generate a pattern in the form of a Sierpinski triangle.

5. The sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of surface elements comprises glass and / or a material comprising an electrochromic material and / or a thermochromic material and / or micro shutters, and / or a nanocrystalline material and / or a PDLC material and / or a liquid crystal material.

6. The sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The sun protection device is arranged in the skylight.

7. The sun protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The sun protection device is arranged in a vehicle.

8. A sun protection shielding device, comprising: a light-transmitting component having a surface; a variable transmittance element disposed on the surface; A device for determining the direction of sunlight; and a control unit, the control unit controlling the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements based on the irradiation direction of the sunlight, so that the selected surface elements generate a pattern that changes based on the irradiation direction of the sunlight; wherein the control unit is designed to reduce the density of the selected surface elements in the projection direction of the direction of solar radiation entering the surface; Also comprising means for determining the intensity of sunlight exposure, wherein said control unit controls said transmittance of said selected number of surface elements further based on said intensity; The control unit is designed to reduce the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements based on the intensity and the illumination direction of the sunlight, so that the selected surface elements generate a pattern including a plurality of triangular structures.

9. The sun protection shielding device according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit is designed to select the surface elements to produce a pattern that simulates a cast shadow by a tree.

10. The sun protection shielding device according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit is designed to select the surface elements to generate a pattern comprising a fractal.

11. The sun protection shielding device according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit is designed to select the surface elements to generate a pattern in the form of a Sierpinski triangle.

12. The sun protection shielding device according to claim 8, wherein: A plurality of said surface elements comprise glass and / or a material comprising an electrochromic material and / or a thermochromic material and / or micro shutters, and / or a nanocrystalline material and / or a PDLC material and / or a liquid crystal material.

13. The sun protection shielding device according to claim 8, wherein: The sun protection shielding device is arranged in a sunroof of a vehicle.

14. A method for operating a sun protection device to shade a light-transmitting surface, comprising: providing a variable transmittance element in the form of a grid arranged on a surface of the light-transmitting member; determining the radiation intensity of sunlight impinging on said surface; determining a direction of the sunlight relative to the surface; reducing the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements based on the intensity of the radiation; and selecting the surface elements for locations on the surface such that a pattern is generated and varies based on the direction of the sunlight; as well as reducing the density of selected surface elements in the projection direction of the direction of the sunlight impinging upon the surface; Wherein, the transmittance of a selected number of surface elements is reduced based on the radiation intensity and the irradiation direction of the sunlight, so that the selected surface elements generate a pattern including a plurality of triangular structures.

15. A method for operating a sun protection device to shade a light-transmitting surface according to claim 14, wherein: When the radiation intensity exceeds a threshold, the transmittance is reduced.

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