Roller blind system integrated with solar power generation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roller blind system. The roller blind system is composed of a roller blind, and the roller blind is composed of a photovoltaic film configured to face the outer surface of a building envelope during use, and an energy storage system capable of receiving the electric power generated from the photovoltaic film. The motor can be connected through a drive system for winding the roller blind that will be wound to the forward or retracted position, and the controller is configured to operate at least the motor so as to rotatably advance or retract the roller blind to a desired extended position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a roller blind system integrated with solar power generation, and particularly to a roller blind system composed of a solar power generation system. The roller blind system includes a function capable of utilizing the electric power generated by the solar power generation system.

Background Art

[0002] Roller blinds or screens are used to control the amount of light entering a room or space from a window, typically provided thereacross as a blind cover or screen, for various purposes. Roller blinds are used in several applications including commercial and industrial uses. For example, roller blinds are also used in agricultural applications to provide light reduction or shielding of sunlight entering a glass greenhouse, a vinyl house, or other such enclosures (regardless of whether for controlling the light / energy entering the housing, growing plants, or further protecting animals). Offices and residential or other commercial buildings also frequently use roller blinds to assist in controlling glare or sunlight entering the building.

[0003] Many of these roller blinds are manually operated by a pull cord attached to a roller or other fitting. Similarly, many roller blinds are operated through a motor having an associated fitting or drive mechanism for operating the blind wound on a roll to unwind or extend it to a desired extended position. An extensive control system is provided to enable the user to determine their desired length of blind extension or retraction. For example, the stored and extended positions can be controlled, and the blind may be operated on a schedule basis or manually or through other controls determined by the user.

[0004] Some electric roller blinds may operate through an electrical connection to a power source such as a main power supply or a building power supply, or they may operate through a battery. Some roller blinds may also be typically located remotely to generate and store electricity and then use this power on demand to move forward or retract the roller blind as desired, and may operate by using an individual solar cell or a solar power generation system.

[0005] In this specification, which refers to external information sources including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally intended to provide a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, references to such information sources shall not be construed under any jurisdiction as an admission that such information sources are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the disclosure of the present invention to provide a roller blind system that takes at least some measures to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems or issues, or provides useful options for the industry / general public.

[0007] An alternative object of the disclosure of the present invention can be to provide a roller blind system having a self-power generation function, and advantageously at least a part of the roller blind faces the outer surface of the building envelope during use or is integrated as part of the roller itself and can be electrically independently operable (i.e., either remotely powered by a photovoltaic power system located remotely or connected to a main power supply or a building power supply), and takes at least some measures to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems or issues, or can provide useful options for the industry / general public.

[0008] A roller blind system composed of a photovoltaic film, wherein by extending the roller blind from a fully retracted position, a fully wound-up position, or a fully rolled-up position, at least a part of the photovoltaic film remains exposed, and such a part of the photovoltaic film that remains exposed enables the minimum operation of the roller blind system or is substantially sufficient to meet the minimum power requirement for the minimum operation of the roller blind system. It can be an alternative object of the disclosure of the present invention to provide the above roller blind system.

[0009] A roller blind system composed of a photovoltaic film having a function of generating electricity, and this electricity is used for the operation of lights integrated in the roller blind system (for the purpose of lighting a room or space where the roller blind system is installed). It can be an alternative object of the disclosure of the present invention to provide the above roller blind system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, in a first aspect, a roller blind system is provided, and the roller blind system includes a roller blind composed of a photovoltaic film configured to face the outer surface of a building envelope or a light source during use, an energy storage system capable of receiving the electricity generated from the photovoltaic film, a motor connectable through a drive system for winding up the roller blind that will be wound up to a forward or retracted position or between them, a controller configured to operate at least the motor to rotationally advance or retract the roller blind to a desired extended position, and includes.

[0011] According to the first aspect, the following details are provided.

[0012] The photovoltaic film can be substantially a flexible film.

[0013] The roller blind and the photovoltaic film can be attached to or connected to each other.

[0014] The roller blind and the photovoltaic film can be attached to or connected to each other by lamination, or can be laminated to each other.

[0015] The photovoltaic film can extend partially or substantially entirely across the width of the roller blind, across this width. Alternatively or in addition, the photovoltaic film can extend partially or substantially entirely along the length of the roller blind, along this length.

[0016] The side facing the inside of the photovoltaic film can be composed of a decorative or non - decorative decoration.

[0017] The decorative or non - decorative decoration can be a material layer printed, laminated, or otherwise attached to the side facing the inside of the photovoltaic film.

[0018] The side facing the inside of the roller blind can be composed of a light - colored, non - light - colored, or colored layer.

[0019] The photovoltaic film can be composed of a decorative or non - decorative layer as a layer of the photovoltaic film, or can be composed of a light - colored, non - light - colored, or colored layer as a layer of the photovoltaic film.

[0020] The energy storage system can include one or two or more batteries and optionally has a capacity sufficient to store all of the energy generated by the photovoltaic film on a daily basis.

[0021] The system can be provided in a startup standby configuration with an energy storage system installed at the factory or an immediate use function with at least a minimum power charge for initial operation or initial configuration on site.

[0022] The system can be provided in a pre-assembled or immediately startupable configuration for on-site installation.

[0023] The energy storage system can be provided in a disconnected state waiting for final on-site installation.

[0024] A charging port can be provided to enable or provide charging of power to the built-in energy storage system, or alternatively, a charging port can be provided to extract power from the energy storage system (e.g., in an emergency situation or as a remote charging function for a device).

[0025] The charging port can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

[0026] The system can be made not electrically dependent on the building wiring system, or not electrically dependent on the building power supply, or can be electrically connected or connectable to the building power supply or building wiring system to enable one or more lights to operate when the energy storage system does not have a sufficient charge.

[0027] The system can be further configured with a housing as a blind box or decorative fabric-style cover (or enclosure) of the system.

[0028] The system can further include one or more lights.

[0029] One or more lights can be provided to assist in illuminating the room or space where the above system is installed or operates internally.

[0030] One or more lights are provided around or inside the housing.

[0031] The housing includes one or more apertures through which the light projected or directed by one or more lights may pass.

[0032] A diffuser can be provided across the surface of one or more lights or across the surface of one or more apertures to diffuse the light.

[0033] The controller can adjust the luminance or luminous flux (or lumens) to be emitted by one or more lights.

[0034] The light provided by one or more lights can be projected or directed across a room / space or can be projected or directed upward, for example, towards the ceiling.

[0035] The siding or surface of the housing can include one or more lights.

[0036] At least one of the one or more lights can be provided to project or direct light upward towards the ceiling of the room / space in which the system is to be installed or within which it is to operate.

[0037] At least one of the one or more lights can be provided on a side surface facing the inside of the housing (i.e., the direction facing the room / space inside, e.g., the direction of projecting or directing light across the internal room / space).

[0038] The side surface facing the inside of the housing can be inclined such that the upper edge of the housing extends horizontally beyond the lower edge of the housing.

[0039] The system can include one or more sensors for measuring and / or detecting one or more room conditions.

[0040] One or more room conditions can be one or more of movement or activity within the room / space (e.g., occupancy), light level within the room / space (e.g., ambient light beam level within the room / space), external ambient light level, a combination of the light level in the room / space and the external light level, temperature of the room / space, a timer schedule based on time or day of the week, manual signal input from a user, an action from a user (such as a macroscopic or microscopic body movement from a user), a voice or other audible sound from a user (such as activation, control, or command by such a sound directly or indirectly through one or more devices having a function of measuring or detecting the voice or audible sound).

[0041] The controller is - adjusted to adjust a motor for adjusting a roller blind or screen to a desired extended position based on one or more of the room conditions, for example, to reduce the light level within the room / space or to reduce incident external light (e.g., sunlight as a light source), - actuated to adjust the light output level in response to ambient light conditions (e.g., the light output can be raised or lowered as needed, or a slow or gradual start or slow or gradual stop can be enabled to turn on or off one or more lights), to perform one or both of the above.

[0042] The controller can be actuated to make adjustments based on the measured or detected room conditions.

[0043] The room conditions can be measured or sensed by one or more sensors integrated into the system or integrated as part of the housing.

[0044] Room conditions can be measured or sensed by one or more sensors (e.g., one or more remote sensors that can communicate with the controller through a wired or wireless communication link) provided remotely around the room / space to provide a signal to and back from the controller.

[0045] Manual input from the user can be a signal transmitted / received by the sensor or controller to manually provide the desired extended position of the roller blind.

[0046] The user can manually set or adjust the preferred light level or room temperature in the room from the default setting value based on the momentum or activity level in the room over a period of time, or can adjust a predetermined timer schedule or other automatic adjustment amount based on the measured or detected room / space conditions. For example, using season-dependent adjustment based on the light source level dependent on the season, the setting value or the predetermined extended position of the roller blind composed of a solar power generation film can be adjusted to a predetermined length portion.

[0047] Signals from the user for manual setting or adjustment can be communicated by a data communication link or network protocol (examples of which include, but are not limited to, NFC, wi-fi, Bluetooth, LTE, ZigBee communication links or network protocol-compatible systems) through wired or wireless communication or a network or a combination thereof.

[0048] Manual adjustment can be provided through a control panel or switches on the housing of the system or other related controller (e.g., which can have an on / off switch).

[0049] The roller blind system can be provided as a single unit configured for fastening or fixing in a fixed position (e.g., the system can be fastened or fixed in a position that (partially or substantially completely) covers a window or other sunlight-transmitting medium including, but not limited to, one or more of glass, polymer, composite material).

[0050] The system can be configured as a single module or as a plurality of modules that can be either pre-assembled at the factory or assembled on-site (optionally, one or more of these modules can be connected or connectable directly or indirectly to one or more other modules).

[0051] The system can be provided as a single module that does not require additional on-site assembly or other connections, or as a single complete unit in a ready-to-ship or ready-to-install configuration.

[0052] The system can be made operable without relying on or independently of the building's power or electrical supply source, and optionally, the system can be connected or connectable to the building's power or electrical supply source as a backup power source.

[0053] The system can be provided in communication with or in a communication state with a building management system (BMS).

[0054] The system can be made operable or controllable through the BMS.

[0055] In the system during use configuration or installation configuration, the blind is wound in a configuration such that a portion of the solar power generation film remains exposed.

[0056] Even when in the fully retracted blind position or the fully wound-up or rolled-up position, the part of the roller blind made of a solar power generation film can remain exposed so as to face the outer surface of the building envelope during use.

[0057] During use, a predetermined length portion of the roller blind made of a solar power generation film can be left exposed (for example, for the generation of solar power generation energy and / or for capture by the energy storage system).

[0058] During use, a predetermined length portion of the roller blind made of a solar power generation film can remain advanced (or extended) from the fully retracted position or the fully wound-up or rolled-up position (for example, for the exposure of the solar power generation film for the generation of solar power generation energy and / or for capture by the energy storage system). Advantageously, optionally, the predetermined length portion can be adjusted to compensate for a light source level that depends on a seasonal pattern or a weather pattern based on the seasonal pattern or the weather pattern.

[0059] The system can be pre-programmed to wind the roller blind or screen to a predetermined extended length or position (for example, an advanced or retracted position) at initial setup (such as initial operation or initial startup).

[0060] It is possible to provide a maximum retracted position for the roller blind during use for a predetermined shortest extended length that is substantially sufficient to enable minimum power generation or charging for use by the system (for example, to be maintained by an energy storage system).

[0061] A part of the roller blind can be left exposed to provide a trickle charging function when installed or in the use configuration.

[0062] The minimum exposed surface area of the solar power generation film left exposed can be self-regulated based on the minimum required trickle charging requirement or the minimum power storage requirement of the energy storage system. For example, the minimum exposed surface area of the solar power generation film left exposed can be self-regulated based on seasonal changes to account for the minimum required trickle charging requirement or the minimum power storage requirement of the energy storage system.

[0063] The energy storage system can be a battery or other electrical energy storage device.

[0064] Data related to one or more sensed room conditions can be provided to a building management system (BMS) or other control system.

[0065] A plurality of systems can be provided, two or more of which can be operated according to the substantially stored or advanced blind length or position (or extended length) or can be operated to substantially conform the blind position. For example, at least two or more systems can be operated according to the common or jointly stored or advanced blind length or position (or extended length).

[0066] The solar power generation film can cover substantially all of the surface area of the roller blind or substantially a part of the surface area (e.g., to allow some light to pass through the blind).

[0067] The solar power generation film can be provided as a pattern across the roller blind (e.g., as a series of stripes regardless of whether it is tilted, substantially vertical, or substantially horizontal when referring to the up / down direction of the roller blind moving between the stored roller blind position and the advanced roller blind position).

[0068] At least the bottom portion (or tail or foot) of the roller blind can be composed of a solar power generation film (for example, when the blind is being unwound or advanced from the storage position, at least the first portion of the blind advancing from the maximum or full storage roller blind position or the maximum wound-up or rolled-up position can be composed of a solar power generation film, and a part of the roller blind, for example, a part of the roller blind that may remain substantially in the wound-up position, unused position or storage position quite frequently during use, may not have a solar power generation film).

[0069] According to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, in a second aspect, a roller blind system is provided, and the roller blind system includes a roller blind composed of a solar power generation film configured to face the outer surface of the building envelope during use, an energy storage system capable of receiving the electric power generated from the solar power generation film, a motor connectable through a drive system for winding the roller blind to be wound to the forward or storage position, a controller configured to operate at least the motor to rotationally advance or store the roller blind to a desired extended position, and includes During use, a predetermined length portion of the roller blind composed of the solar power generation film remains exposed.

[0070] According to the second aspect, the following details are provided.

[0071] The predetermined length portion of the roller blind composed of the solar power generation film that remains exposed is the minimum surface area of the solar power generation film that is substantially sufficient for the minimum operation of the system (or, for example, at least the minimum power generation of solar power and the capture or charging thereof by the energy storage system).

[0072] The system of the second aspect further includes any one or two or more of the features of the system defined by the first aspect.

[0073] In the system defined by the first and / or second aspect, one or more of a power conditioner, a power distribution device, or other power modulation devices are utilized. Such devices can be provided in a built-in state as part of the system rather than as components or modules located remotely.

[0074] The system defined by the first and / or second aspect uses a low voltage (e.g., 12V) system. This can help improve electrical safety for installers and users.

[0075] In the system defined by the first and / or second aspect, all or substantially all of the power generated and stored by the energy storage system is configured to be used for the function of the blind system by providing power to one or more lights that can be incorporated, for example, as part of a housing or in a blind box configuration within the blind system. In this way, the power generated from the solar power generation film is predominantly used to provide lighting or illumination to a room or space instead of being supplied by, for example, building power or the main power grid to provide lighting within the room or space. Therefore, by substantially "sharing" the lighting power requirements among the lights provided by the blind system defined herein, the power requirements for a building, room, or space can be reduced. Regarding the use of the power stored by the energy storage system, it will be recognized that the blind system can ensure a small amount of charging power to enable the forward or retraction of the roller blind.

[0076] The blind system defined in this specification preferably does not depend electrically on the main power supply and does not depend electrically on its operation either. However, the blind system can provide an additional power source to charge or supply power to operate a light or an electric blind in the event of a power failure, or to operate the functions of the system. For example, it can provide a charging port to add redundancy to the system for powering a light at night when the power of the blind system has been used up / exhausted (i.e., depleted), or for enabling the forward or retraction of the blind as needed. It is recognized that this can be done.

[0077] According to at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, in a third aspect, a roller blind system is provided, the roller blind system comprising at least one first roller blind and at least one second roller blind provided in a substantially parallel configuration, wherein in use the first roller blind is positioned relatively outwardly or closer to the light source than the second roller blind, and the second roller blind is positioned relatively inwardly or further from the light source than the first roller blind. The first roller blind and the second roller blind arranged as described above including At least one of the first roller blind or the second roller blind, or both the first roller blind and the second roller blind, is composed of a photovoltaic film configured to face a light source (such as the outer surface of a building envelope) during use. Each of the first roller blind and the second roller blind is independently operable and includes an energy storage system capable of receiving power generated from the photovoltaic film, a motor connectable through a drive system toward the winding of each of the first roller blind and / or the second roller blind that will be wound to a forward or retracted position, and a controller configured to operate at least the motor to rotationally advance or retract each of the first and / or second roller blinds to a desired extended position.

[0078] In the system during use, at least one predetermined length portion of the roller blind composed of the photovoltaic film remains exposed toward the exposure to the light source.

[0079] The roller blind system can be further configured with a housing as its blind box or decorative fabric style cover (or enclosure).

[0080] The roller blind system can be of a double (two) blind configuration.

[0081] The first roller blind can be composed of a photovoltaic film, or a part of the first roller blind can be composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0082] The second roller blind can be composed of a photovoltaic film, or a part of the second roller blind can be composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0083] The solar power generation film of the first roller blind or the second roller blind, or the above-mentioned part of the first roller blind or the above-mentioned part of the second roller blind can be substantially the tail or foot part of the first roller blind and / or the second roller blind. The solar power generation film can extend substantially across the width of the roller blind, and can extend across either partially or substantially entirely of this width, or instead of this or in addition to this, can extend substantially along the length of the roller blind, and can extend along either partially or substantially entirely of this length.

[0084] The second roller blind can be substantially a roller blind in a light reduction mode.

[0085] The second roller blind may substantially lack a solar power generation film.

[0086] One or more parts of the second roller blind (such as split parts or split sections that can optionally be separated from each other) can be composed of a solar power generation film. Optionally, one or more parts of the extended length of the second roller blind can be composed of a solar power generation film, and the remainder of the extended length of the second roller blind can be assumed to have no solar power generation film, and this part can optionally be a light reduction mode blind material.

[0087] The part of the second roller blind composed of the solar power generation film can be the tail or foot part (i.e., a part of the bottom or lower part) of the second roller blind.

[0088] The portion of the second roller blind composed of the photovoltaic film is about 95% or less of the extended length of the second roller blind, or about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 75% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, about 50% or less, about 40% or less, about 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less, about 10% or less of the extended length of the second roller blind, or can be about 5% or less.

[0089] The first roller blind can be composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0090] One or more portions of the first roller blind (such as split portions or split sections that can optionally be separated from each other) can be composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0091] The portion of the first roller blind composed of the photovoltaic film can be about 100% or less of the extended length of the first roller blind, or about 95% or less, about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 75% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, about 50% or less, about 40% or less, about 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less, about 10% or less of the extended length of the first roller blind, or can be about 5% or less.

[0092] In the system, the second roller blind can include at least one portion composed of a photovoltaic film in its extended length and at least one other portion of a light-reducing mode material (for example, the photovoltaic film may not be present), and the extended length of the first roller blind can substantially include a photovoltaic film.

[0093] The second roller blind can be composed of a part including a solar power generation film and a remainder composed of a light reduction mode material (without a solar power generation film), and the first roller blind is substantially composed of a solar power generation film.

[0094] The first roller blind can be configured as defined by the roller blind system of the first and / or second aspect.

[0095] The second roller blind can be configured as defined by the roller blind system of the first and / or second aspect.

[0096] In the system described above, the first roller blind and the second roller blind can be configured within a single housing or enclosure as defined in the first and / or second aspect.

[0097] In relation to any one of the first, second, or third aspects defined above where a solar power generation film is provided as part of a roller blind, the solar power generation film is composed of a front or facing side that first receives light or energy from a light source or energy source, and a back or rear side composed of a reflector for reflecting the received energy (such as from a light source or energy source).

[0098] Any of the above-described features, embodiments, or aspects can be combined with one or more of the other features, embodiments, or aspects described in this specification.

[0099] The term "comprising" used in this specification and the claims means "including at least in part". When interpreting each description including the term "comprising" within the scope of this specification and the claims, there may be features other than the one or more features placed before this term. Related forms such as "comprises" shall be interpreted in the same way.

[0100] References to numerical ranges disclosed herein (e.g., from 1 to 10) are intended to incorporate all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10), as well as any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., from 2 to 8, from 1.5 to 5.5, and from 3.1 to 4.7), and thus are also intended to disclose explicitly all sub-ranges of all ranges explicitly disclosed herein. These ranges are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible numerical combinations between the recited minimum and maximum values must be considered as also being explicitly disclosed herein.

[0101] As used herein, the term "and / or" means "and" or "or" or both.

[0102] As used herein, "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular form of the noun.

[0103] To those skilled in the art relevant to this invention, many structural changes, diverse different embodiments, and uses of the invention that do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims will be apparent. The disclosure and description herein are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting in any sense.

[0104] The disclosure of the present invention includes the above-mentioned, and further contemplates structures that provide merely examples below. The features discussed herein can be combined with new embodiments of suitable components corresponding to the same or related concepts of the invention.

[0105] As a mere example, preferred embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0106]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

[0107] Various embodiments will be described with reference to the above figures. The same reference numbers can be used to denote the same or similar components throughout the figures and the present specification, and redundant descriptions of these components can be omitted.

[0108] What is described in various embodiments in this specification is a roller blind system.

[0109] In a first embodiment, there is provided a roller blind system 1 including a roller blind 2 composed of a photovoltaic film 3 configured to face the outer surface 4 of a building envelope during use. An energy storage system (not shown, but considered to be within the housing 5 or the blind box) can receive the electric power generated by the photovoltaic film 3. A motor (not shown, but considered to be within the housing or the blind box) can be connected through a drive system for winding the roller blind 2, and the roller blind 2 will be wound to a forward or retracted position. A controller (not shown, but considered to be within the housing 5 or the blind box) is configured to operate at least the motor so as to rotationally advance or retract the roller blind to a desired extended position or extended length L.

[0110] In a second embodiment, it is the same as that described with reference to the first embodiment above, and in addition, there is provided a roller blind system 1 in which a predetermined length (PL) portion of the above-described roller blind 2 composed of the photovoltaic film 3 remains exposed during use.

[0111] In the third embodiment, it is substantially the same as that described with reference to the first embodiment, and in addition thereto, a roller blind system 1 including one or more lights 7 to be powered by an energy storage system is provided.

[0112] In the fourth embodiment, it is the same as that described with reference to any one of the first, second, or third embodiments, and a system including one or more of such roller blind systems 1 that can be electrically connected or interconnected to such an electric blind to power at least one further electric blind is provided.

[0113] The following detailed description is provided with reference to the above-described embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

[0114] Advantageously provided is a roller blind system 1 that can be provided in a standby activation configuration as a single unit or module or as a series of units or modules that can be easily connected or incorporated with each other either in a factory or on-site.

[0115] Such a system 1 is a fully portable configuration suitable for each of installation and removal as required, is independent, and can be provided to have a function of substantially generating enough power to operate a motor for advancing or retracting the roller blind. Further, by including one or more lights 7 into such a system 1, not only can the roller blind system control the light in a room or space by advancing or retracting the roller blind itself, but it is also possible to operate one or more lights 7 to artificially illuminate the room or space therewith. In this way, electric power can be generated by the solar power generation film 3 and used by the system 1.

[0116] Such a system 1 can be operated at a relatively low voltage, for example, as a 12-volt system, due to safety considerations unique to the consumer, installer, or installation location. However, other voltage systems can be used as needed.

[0117] Buildings for industrial, commercial residences, and other buildings including agricultural or livestock situations can all utilize roller blinds or roll-up screens to control the amount of light or sunlight entering the building or space. By providing a roller blind system that incorporates a solar power generation film 3 (substantially flexible film) into the blind itself, a specific advantage is given of enabling control of the sunlight entering the space, and furthermore a dual advantage is given of enabling power generation when the blind is moved from the fully retracted position (or roll configuration or winding-up configuration) to a position advanced (extended) (or rolled-out configuration or roll deployment configuration) to some extent. The power generated by this configuration can be utilized by the system depending on the user's requirements.

[0118] On the other hand, in one particular configuration, one or more lights 7 can be incorporated into the blind system 1, for example, as part of the housing 5 in which the roller blind is installed or as part of a blind box (generally referring to the housing 5 in which the roller blind is provided or protected or aesthetically hidden from view). The housing 5 can be in the shape of a decorative fabric pattern.

[0119] Accordingly, by providing one or more lights 7 (such as LED-type lights) that are powered by the electricity generated by the photovoltaic film (optionally stored in an energy storage system), it is possible to control the lighting level within a room or space. For example, the roller blind can be in a partially or fully extended state or position, in which case the photovoltaic film 3 is exposed to receive light through the window W or other light-transmissive material (which can be considered to be, for example, a polymer, glass, or other material). When the photovoltaic film is exposed during the day, it can generate electricity and store it for use. During periods of relatively high solar radiation levels, the roller blind can be partially or fully extended to control the natural light entering the building through the window during relatively warm days or generally bright light conditions environmentally (or for any other reason). This extension can help reduce the amount of light and solar heat gain within the room or space. At the same time, more electricity can be generated.

[0120] For example, instead of retracting the roller blind to admit more natural light (and solar heat gain) into the room or space when the roller blind reduces the light level below the desired internal light level, the electricity generated by the photovoltaic film 3 can be used to power one or more lights 7 to artificially illuminate the room or space.

[0121] Such a roller blind system 1 described herein can be utilized as part of a plurality of typical electric roller blinds. For example, (depending on the power requirements of a typical electric blind), one or more of the roller blind systems described herein can be used to provide a power source for operating other typical electric roller blinds. In this way, a roller blind composed of a solar power generation film 3 can be electrically connected to other typical electric roller blinds by appropriate means or can be made into a power generation blind system 1 capable of other interconnections. Such connections between blinds can be according to various electrical connection systems. For example, a data connection can be provided to share a control system so that blinds, lighting devices, or other devices can be controlled with respect to each other or simultaneously.

[0122] Similarly, two or more roller blind systems 1 described herein can be operatively (e.g., electrically) connected to each other. For example, a roller blind system 1 as described herein may face a higher or lower sunlight level than other blinds at a certain time during the day, and thus, power sharing across a network or array of blind systems can be utilized to enable power distribution as needed within the network or array.

[0123] By providing one or more lights 7, it enables the purpose of using the power generated by the solar power generation film 3. In this way, by substantially reducing the need for lighting using the main power source or building power source in a room or space, the power requirements of a building, facility, room, or space can be reduced. Artificial lighting within a building, room, or space may account for a reasonable amount of the total power consumption in the building. Any reduction in the total power consumption of a building is beneficial.

[0124] A housing 5 or blind box as described above can incorporate one or more lights 7.

[0125] The solar power generation film to be utilized is ideally a substantially flexible film. In this way, the flexible film can be wound up into a roll as part of a roller blind, can be repeatedly wound up and unwound, and can be substantially suitable for repeated use without performance degradation.

[0126] The roller blind and the solar power generation film can be attached to or connected to each other. For example, when they are multiple layers, these layers can be laminated to each other, can be pasted or adhered to each other, or can be sewn or stitched together, and this attachment or connection includes the use of mechanical connection, as well as the step of attaching or connecting the blind material to the solar power generation film by thermoforming or other joining steps.

[0127] It will also be recognized that the solar power generation film can itself be the blind material or can provide an individual blind material or blind layer to which the solar power generation film is connected or attached. In cases such as when the blind material is provided as an individual layer separate from the solar power generation film, a color, pattern, or other decoration can be provided on the inner side (i.e., the side facing the room / space) of the solar power generation film or the blind material. This decoration can include light colors, coloring, etc.

[0128] The solar power generation film 3 can extend substantially across the width 6 of the roller blind, or can extend across a part of the width 6 of the roller blind, and can extend across this width either partially or substantially entirely. Alternatively or in addition, the solar power generation film can extend substantially along the length of the roller blind, and can extend along this length either partially or substantially entirely. As described above, the side of the solar power generation film 3 facing the inside (i.e., the room) can optionally be configured with a decorative or non - decorative decoration.

[0129] When decorative or non - decorative adornments are provided, this can be in the form of a material layer printed, laminated, or otherwise attached or added on the side facing the inside (i.e., the room) of the photovoltaic film.

[0130] As described above, the side facing the inside (i.e., the room) of the roller blind can be composed of a light - colored, non - light - colored, or colored layer.

[0131] The photovoltaic film can be composed of a decorative layer or a non - decorative layer as the photovoltaic film layer, or can be composed of a light - colored, non - light - colored, or colored layer as the photovoltaic film layer.

[0132] The energy storage system (not shown but hidden from view within the housing 5) can include one or two or more batteries. The energy storage system has a capacity sufficient to store all of the energy generated by the photovoltaic film on a daily basis.

[0133] System 1 can be provided in a configuration of an energy storage system installed at the factory with at least a minimum power charge for initial operation or initial configuration on - site or a "ready - to - start" type with an immediate use function. The energy storage system can be charged at the factory, but may require a simple on - site implementation step to safely enable the energy storage system to be actively part of an electrical circuit (for example, a strip of non - conductive material may be provided to prevent the completion of an electrical circuit between the energy storage system and the remainder of the power system or control system). Alternatively, the energy storage system can be provided as individual units or modules that can be relatively easily connected on - site or installed in the position for use. Alternatively, the energy storage system can be provided in a disconnected state waiting for final installation or on - site connection during installation.

[0134] In various embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide a system or series of units or modules for easy assembly on-site. Alternatively, the system may be provided in a pre-assembled configuration or a "ready-to-start" type configuration for on-site installation.

[0135] The system 1 described herein is expected to be planned so as not to be electrically dependent on a building power source or building wiring system, but can provide a charging port to enable emergency charging or supplementary charging of power to the built-in energy storage system described above, or alternatively, can provide a charging port for extracting power from the energy storage system (e.g., in an emergency use situation or as a remote charging function for a device). This provides a certain degree of redundancy.

[0136] The charging port can be in the form of any electrical connection, but in one example can be in the form of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or other electrical port configuration configured to receive or provide a power and / or data link. For example, Power over Ethernet (PoE) can be utilized.

[0137] When the system 1 includes one or more lights 7, they can be provided to assist in illuminating the room or space in which the system is installed. The lights 7 can be provided around or inside the housing 5. For example, the housing 5 can include one or more openings (shown as 7 on the housing 5) through which light from one or more lights projected or directed passes.

[0138] A diffuser can be provided across the surface of one or more lights or across the surface of one or more openings to diffuse the light.

[0139] One or two or more lights or groups of lights can be provided, and a reflector can be arranged behind them. One or more lights optionally having a diffuser positioned in front of the reflector and positioned in front of the reflector can be provided within the housing 5 (blind box or blind box arrangement in a decorative cloth pattern).

[0140] The reflector can be selected to project or direct light substantially through the room or space or towards the ceiling of the room or space to help disperse the light across the room or space.

[0141] Using a controller (not shown but incorporated into the circuit and positioned within the housing 5), the luminance or luminous flux (or lumens) emitted by one or two or more lights can be controllably and selectively adjusted.

[0142] In one embodiment, the siding or face of the housing 5 can include one or two or more openings to allow for the emission of one or two or more lights.

[0143] In another embodiment, it can be advantageous to arrange at least one of the one or two or more lights to project or direct light upward towards the ceiling of the room / space in which the above-described system is to be installed.

[0144] For example, at least one of the one or two or more lights can be provided on a side facing the inside of the housing (i.e., the direction facing the room / space inside). In another example, at least one of the one or two or more lights can be provided on a side facing the upper part (or ceiling) of the housing (i.e., the upper surface of the housing generally considered to be upward towards the ceiling).

[0145] In an example where one or two or more lights are arranged on a side surface facing the interior of the housing, such a side surface can be inclined so that the upper edge of the housing extends horizontally beyond (or further outward than) the lower edge of the housing. This provides an inclined surface.

[0146] In various embodiments, one or each light or group of lights can be provided with a reflector, a light positioned in front of the reflector, optionally a diffuser positioned in front of the light, and optionally such an arrangement of the reflector and the light is provided within the housing or within the body of a decorative fabric-style blind box arrangement.

[0147] In various embodiments, the system 1 includes one or more sensors 8 for measuring and / or detecting one or more room conditions.

[0148] One or more room conditions can be one or more of movement or activity within the room / space (e.g., occupancy), light level within the room / space (e.g., ambient light beam level within the room / space), external ambient light level, a combination of the light level within the room / space and the external light level, temperature of the room / space, a timer schedule based on time or day of the week, manual signal input from a user, an action from a user (such as a macroscopic or microscopic body movement from a user), a voice or other audible sound from a user (such as activation, control, or command by such a sound directly or indirectly through one or two or more devices having a function of measuring or detecting the voice or audible sound).

[0149] The controller - adjusting a motor for adjusting a roller blind or a screen to a desired extended position based on one or two or more of the room conditions, for example, to reduce the light level within the room / space or to reduce incident external light (e.g., sunlight as a light source); Adjust the light output level in response to ambient light conditions (e.g., the light output can be increased or decreased as needed, or slow or gradual startup or slow or gradual stopping can be enabled to turn on or off one or more lights). It can be actuated to perform one or both of the following.

[0150] The controller can be actuated to make adjustments based on the measured or detected room conditions.

[0151] For example, the room conditions can be measured or sensed by one or more sensors integrated into the system or integrated as part of the housing. Such measurement or sensing can be performed by one or more sensors that are provided remotely around the room / space to provide a signal back to the controller (e.g., one or more remote sensors can communicate through a wired or wireless communication link with the controller).

[0152] In some configurations, manual input from the user can be sent, for example, to send a signal to or receive by sensors or the controller to manually provide the desired extended position of a roller blind.

[0153] The user can manually set or adjust the preferred light level or room temperature within the room based on the momentum or activity level within the room over a period of time, or adjust a predetermined timer schedule or other automatic adjustment amount based on the measured or detected room / space conditions. For example, using season-dependent adjustment based on the level of light source depending on the season, the set value or predetermined extended position of a roller blind composed of a solar power generation film can be adjusted to a predetermined length portion.

[0154] The controller can consider both the sensed and measured room conditions themselves and the user input settings or control signals.

[0155] Signals from a user for manual settings or adjustments can be communicated by means of a data communication link or network protocol over a wired or wireless communication or network or a combination thereof (examples of which include, but are not limited to, NFC, wi-fi, Bluetooth, LTE, ZigBee communication links or network protocol compliant systems).

[0156] It will also be appreciated that manual adjustments can be provided through control panels or switches on the housing of the system or other associated controllers (e.g., on / off switches or other touch panels or those having control access).

[0157] Advantageously, the roller blind system 1 will be provided as a single unit configured for fastening or fixing in a stationary position (e.g., the system can be fastened or fixed in a position (partially or substantially completely) covering a window or other sunlight-transmitting medium including, but not limited to, one or more of glass, polymers, composite materials). An example of a fastening or fixing system is a provided mechanical bracket 9 that can be screwed to a window of a room or a ceiling wall or frame.

[0158] In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured as a single module or as a plurality of modules that can be either pre-assembled at the factory or assembled on-site (optionally one or more of these modules can be directly or indirectly connected or made connectable to one or more other modules).

[0159] In some embodiments, the system 1 is provided as a single module that does not require additional on-site assembly or other connections or as a single complete unit in a ready-to-ship or ready-to-install configuration.

[0160] Alternatively, system 1 can be provided as a multi-module configuration including a first module as housing 5, a second module as a roll-up blind, and a third module as an energy storage system pack (such as a battery pack).

[0161] System 1 or its controller can enable communication with a building management system (BMS), be provided in communication therewith, or be capable of receiving or being controlled through control signals from the BMS.

[0162] When the blind system is in the use configuration or the installation configuration, the blind is wound in such a configuration that a portion of the solar power generation film 3 remains exposed to the outside of the building envelope. In this way, even when the blind is fully wound up, a small portion of the solar power generation film can be left exposed. This enables a small amount of charging or power generation even when the system is installed but the unit has not yet been activated. In yet another alternative, when the system is provided and the unit is activated, a shortest length portion considered necessary to expose in order to generate a certain amount of power or charge amount by the solar power generation film 3 is provided, and a default setting value can be provided that allows a small portion or short length of the blind to be unwound or advanced from the fully wound-up state (such as during transportation) for exposure to light.

[0163] For example, even when in the maximally or fully retracted blind position, a portion of the solar power generation film can remain exposed to face the outside of the building envelope during use.

[0164] For example, a predetermined length portion LP of the roller blind including the solar power generation film 3 is left exposed (e.g., for the generation of solar power energy and / or uptake by the above-described energy storage system).

[0165] In use, a predetermined length portion of the above roller blind including the photovoltaic film can be left advanced from the fully retracted or completely retracted position (e.g., for the generation of photovoltaic energy and / or uptake by the above energy storage system). Such a predetermined length portion can be self-regulated over time by the controller when the controller learns the charging amounts generated by the various surface areas of the photovoltaic film left exposed at different times of the day or different seasons, or the system or controller can be pre-programmed with specific values depending on the geographical location or linked to weather forecasts.

[0166] In yet another embodiment, the system can be pre-programmed to wind the above roller blind or screen to a predetermined extended length or position (e.g., an advanced or retracted position) at initial setup. This predetermined extended length can be, for example, a predetermined length PL or a length L longer than that.

[0167] The maximum retracted position of the blind can be provided for a predetermined minimum extended length that is substantially sufficient to enable a minimum amount of power generation or charging (e.g., to be maintained by an energy storage system) for use by the system. For example, system 1 can be configured to ensure that the tail remains suspended from housing 5 to leave a portion of photovoltaic film 3 exposed for power generation. In this regard, a portion of the blind, such as the predetermined length portion PL, remains exposed to provide a trickle charging function for the energy storage system when installed or in the in-use configuration.

[0168] The minimum exposed surface area of the solar power generation film 3 left exposed can be self-regulated based on the minimum required trickle charging requirement or the minimum power storage requirement of the energy storage system. For example, the minimum exposed surface area of the solar power generation film left exposed can be self-regulated based on seasonal changes to account for the minimum required trickle charging requirement or the minimum power storage requirement of the energy storage system.

[0169] The energy storage system can be a battery, but other electrical energy storage devices may be used.

[0170] In yet another embodiment, data related to the sensed one or more room conditions can be provided to a building management system (BMS) or other control system.

[0171] A plurality of roller blind systems 1 can be provided, two or more of which can be operated in accordance with or adapted to substantially conform to the blind length or position (or extended length) being substantially retracted or advanced. For example, at least two or more systems can be operated in accordance with a common or jointly retracted or advanced blind length or position (or extended length). In this way, an array, network, or networked arrangement of a plurality of roller blind systems 1 can be provided.

[0172] In relation to the solar power generation film 3, such a film 3 can cover substantially all of the surface area of the blind or substantially a portion of the surface area (e.g., to allow some light to pass through the blind).

[0173] The solar power generation film 3 can itself be provided as a pattern across the blind (e.g., as a series of stripes whether inclined, substantially vertical, or substantially horizontal when referring to the up / down direction of the blind moving between the retracted blind position and the advanced blind position).

[0174] In some embodiments, at least the bottom portion (or foot) of the blind can be composed of a solar power generation film. For example, when the blind is being unwound or advanced from the storage position, at least the first portion of the blind that advances from the fully or completely stored blind position can be composed of a solar power generation film, and there may be no solar power generation film on a portion of the blind, for example, a portion of the blind that is likely to remain substantially in the rolled-up position, unused position, or storage position quite frequently during use.

[0175] In other embodiments, the roller blind system 1 described herein can be coupled or interconnected to these units to receive power from the system 1 by other electric roller blind units. For example, unit A can be connected to unit B as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, another unit N can be connected as needed. The interconnection can be various types of electrical connectors, data connectors, or both to facilitate coordinated control or network control of blind control or lighting control.

[0176] The system 1 described herein can provide an emergency power source (through a charging port) and / or provide lighting. For example, during a power outage, such a system is electrically independent and can operate lights to illuminate a room or space as needed.

[0177] One or more lights can also project or direct light downward across a room or space.

[0178] The system described herein provides a portable unit that can be retrofitted for new or old buildings or spaces.

[0179] The system described herein can preferably have a maximum operating voltage of 30 volts or less, but this will depend on the application.

[0180] Depending on the required power configuration, many units can be interconnected in series or in parallel with each other.

[0181] The generated power can be monitored and data related to the power generation function can be stored. This data can be sent to a system controller and can be used to more accurately determine operating parameters such as the length or area of a photovoltaic film that is considered to need to remain exposed with respect to a minimum power generation function. A solar tracking function can be included to help determine a network configuration of one or more blinds to improve power generation and / or control of light into a room or space.

[0182] In various embodiments, the power generated or stored each day or in each day / night cycle is consumed by one or more lights. In this way, the power consumption related to artificial lighting in a room or space can be minimized or substantially reduced by ensuring that the power generated each day is substantially consumed.

[0183] Such a system can be made connectable to a cloud-based system or an Internet system to provide a remote monitoring function, a remote control function, or a network function.

[0184] In addition to the above description, the details can be incorporated into yet another roller blind system, for example, a roller blind system composed of two or more roller blinds arranged parallel to each other in a configuration that is often known as a "double blind" configuration. Such a multi-blind system can have one of the roller blinds (such as the second roller blind B2) provide some degree of light reduction properties while still allowing some light to pass through the blind material, while allowing another roller blind (such as the first roller blind B1) to be used as a complete suppressor of light transmission, generally making it possible to use it as a light-blocking blind or blackout-type blind that substantially suppresses the passage of most light.

[0185] Advantageously, either a single roller blind (such as the first roller blind B1 when provided as a solar power generation film roller blind) or a combination of two blinds (such as the first roller blind B1 and the second roller blind B2) operates to substantially suppress or block most of the light entering a building or space (e.g., sunlight, streetlights) and the light emitted from a building or space composed of such a roller blind system, etc. (such as indoor lighting). In this way, light blocking is provided in both directions (the incident light into the building or space as well as the light emitted from the building or space is blocked or suppressed). This can provide a secondary function of ensuring privacy within a building or space (such as a bedroom or other space that is considered to need to be private).

[0186] In an exemplary mode of operation of the dual roller blind system, the second blind B2 can be positioned in the extended length position to provide light reduction, and when this blind includes a portion (such as a tail portion or a foot portion) composed of a solar photovoltaic film, light reduction and a certain degree of PV power generation can occur while the first roller blind B1 is in the retracted position. In yet another exemplary mode of operation, the first roller blind B1 can be wound to the extended length position or the extended length position to enable additional PV power generation and additional light shielding (or privacy). At night, both the first roller blind B1 and the second roller blind B2 are positioned in the extended length position or the extended length position, thereby providing light shielding from the outside / exterior (preventing or suppressing streetlights / exterior light at night and sunlight at dawn, and further preventing the light inside the building from shining outside), and at the same time, a privacy function can be provided from dusk to night, although the privacy function can include daytime for privacy purposes.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10B, the following embodiments have a multi-blind configuration as described above, but each roller blind can be configured or made operable as part of a roller blind system as described in the above embodiments.

[0188] In such yet another embodiment, a roller blind system 10 can be provided that is composed of at least one first roller blind B1 and at least one second roller blind B2 provided in a substantially parallel configuration, and during use, the first roller blind B1 is positioned relatively outward or closer to the light source 40 than the second roller blind B2, and the second roller blind B2 is positioned relatively inward or farther from the light source 40 than the first roller blind B1.

[0189] At least one of the first roller blind B1 or the second roller blind B2 or both the first roller blind and the second roller blind is composed of a photovoltaic film 30 configured to face a light source 40 (such as the outer surface of a building envelope) during use. Each of the first roller blind and the second roller blind is independently operable, and the energy storage system can receive the electric power generated from the photovoltaic film. Further, the motor for winding each of the first roller blind and / or the second roller blind is connectable through a drive system, and each of the first and / or second roller blinds will be wound to a forward or retracted position, and the controller is configured to operate at least the motor to rotationally advance or retract each of the first and / or second roller blinds to a desired extended position. The figure illustrates the maximum extended length as L.

[0190] In some embodiments, during use, a predetermined length portion of at least one of the roller blinds composed of the photovoltaic film 30 remains exposed with respect to exposure to a light source for generating the minimum charge requirement or power requirement of the system. For example, refer to FIGS. 9A and 10A which show such a portion of the photovoltaic film 30 on the roller blind B1 as an extended portion from a fully rolled-up configuration. Such a configuration can allow a short length or tail portion for generating a charge or power sufficient to satisfy the minimum power requirement of the system, such as for operating the lights of the enclosure or housing or operating the motor for advancing or retracting the roller blind (B1 or B2) to a desired extended length, to remain exposed.

[0191] Figures 9A and 9B show that the second roller blind B2 is simply a dimming mode blind, providing a dimming function when desired, while the first roller blind B1 is composed of a solar power generation film 30, enabling power generation and, together with the light shielding characteristics of the solar power generation film, operating to provide a dimming layer for the building interior. In this configuration, the first (partial but) dimming within the building can be provided by the first roller blind B1 with a short length of the tail or foot of the solar power generation film exposed, and additional dimming can be provided by the second roller blind B2. Figure 9B shows the configuration of Figure 9A when the first roller blind B1 is further extended for higher dimming (i.e., light shielding function) within the building and has the additional benefit of high power generation by the PV film.

[0192] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are similar to the configuration of FIGS. 9A and 9B, but the second roller blind B2 has a portion P composed of a solar power generation film, and there is no solar power generation film 30 in the remainder of the second roller blind B2, but it shows a configuration having a light reduction function (which reduces light transmission but still allows some light to pass through as shown by the dotted line of the blind B2). In this way, the first roller blind B1 operates to generate power when it is in the initial extended position or when the solar power generation film is exposed to the light source 40, but when it is in the maximum or more extended extended position (as shown in FIG. 10B), in addition to the power generated by the PV film exposed from the first roller blind B1 to the light source 40, it has an additional benefit of higher power generation by the power generated from the PV film on a part of the second roller blind B2, and can provide a higher light shielding function that suppresses light (and thermal energy) from entering the building. Similarly, by providing the second roller blind B2 having a tail portion or a leg portion at a predetermined exposure position to generate a certain amount of power, power can be generated and still allow some light to pass into the building. However, when higher light suppression is desired or higher power generation is required, the first roller blind B1 can be extended (lowered) to expose more PV films, thereby enabling higher light suppression and higher power generation.

[0193] Yet another advantage of the use of a photovoltaic film incorporated within a roller blind is that, generally, a rear reflector is provided on the rear side (i.e., the non-incident light side) of the solar cell, which is generally positioned behind the solar optically active material and often consists of a deposited layer of silver, aluminum, or other suitable reflective material that acts as a reflector to reflect energy back outwards (i.e., back towards the light source or energy source). Such energy is electromagnetic energy or infrared energy. Energy that cannot be converted to electricity by the solar cell (i.e., the PV film) is reflected back towards the energy source, for example, back out through the window glass and further back out of the building. This reflection can be particularly advantageous in that it further reflects thermal energy in order to help reduce the solar heat gain of the building in a warm climate.

[0194] The roller blind system can be further configured with a housing as its blind box or decorative fabric style cover (or enclosure) 50. Such a housing or enclosure 50 is as described above and can store a plurality of blinds such as the first and second blinds B1, B2. The housing or enclosure advantageously includes, for example, one or more openings, a light, and sensors 70, 80 as described above.

[0195] The roller blind system can specifically be configured as a double (two) blind configuration. The first roller blind B1 can be composed of the photovoltaic film 30, or a portion P of the first roller blind can be composed of the photovoltaic film 30, or the first roller blind may have no photovoltaic film at all (for example, it can be made of a material S in a fully light-blocking mode).

[0196] The second roller blind B2 can be composed of the photovoltaic film 30, or a portion P of the second roller blind can be composed of the photovoltaic film 30.

[0197] Figure 5 shows a double blind configuration having a first blind B1 and a second blind B2 that are to be stored within an enclosure 50. The enclosure 50 is similar to that described above as item 5 in the above-described embodiment and includes a light 70 and a sensor 80. The first and second blinds B1, B2 can have a width 60 and a fully extended length L. A bracket 90 can be provided to fix such an enclosure in a fixed position. Figure 6 shows Figure 5 in more detail, with the second blind BB shown as a light-dimming mode blind material S, and the first blind B1 being composed of a solar photovoltaic film 30. Figure 7 shows yet another alternative configuration where a portion P of the second roller blind B2 is composed of a solar photovoltaic film 30, the remainder of the blind B2 being of the light-dimming mode blind material S, while the first roller blind B1 is suspended with a predetermined length portion exposed and in an operating state for power generation.

[0198] Figure 8 shows a plurality of modules of a roller blind system configured as a double blind system.

[0199] The solar photovoltaic film of the first roller blind or the second roller blind or the above-described portion of the first roller blind or the solar photovoltaic film of the above-described portion of the second roller blind can be substantially the tail portion or the foot portion of the first roller blind and / or the second roller blind, and the solar photovoltaic film can extend substantially across the width of the roller blind, and can extend across this width either partially or substantially entirely, or alternatively or in addition to this, can extend substantially along the length of the roller blind, and can extend along this length either partially or substantially entirely.

[0200] The second roller blind can be substantially a light-dimming mode roller blind, or there may be substantially no solar photovoltaic film.

[0201] One or more parts of the second roller blind (such as split parts or split sections that can optionally be separated from each other) can be composed of a photovoltaic film. Optionally, when one or more parts of the extended length of the second roller blind are composed of a photovoltaic film, it can be assumed that there is no photovoltaic film in the remainder of the extended length of the second roller blind, and it may be of a light-reducing mode blind material.

[0202] The part of the second roller blind composed of the photovoltaic film can be the tail or foot part (i.e., a part of the bottom or lower part) of the second roller blind.

[0203] The part of the second roller blind composed of the photovoltaic film can be about 95% or less of the extended length of the second roller blind, or about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 75% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, about 50% or less, about 40% or less, about 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less, about 10% or less of the extended length of the second roller blind, or about 5% or less.

[0204] The first roller blind can be composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0205] One or more parts of the first roller blind (such as split parts or split sections that can optionally be separated from each other) can be composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0206] The portion of the first roller blind composed of the photovoltaic film can be about 100% or less of the extended length of the first roller blind, or about 95% or less, about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 75% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, about 50% or less, about 40% or less, about 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, about 15% or less, about 10% or less, or about 5% or less of the extended length of the first roller blind.

[0207] In the system, with respect to the extended length of the second roller blind, the second roller blind can include at least one portion composed of a photovoltaic film and at least one other portion made of a light-dimming mode material (for example, the photovoltaic film may not be present), and the extended length of the first roller blind can be substantially composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0208] The second roller blind can be composed of a portion including a photovoltaic film and the remainder made of a light-dimming mode material (without a photovoltaic film), and the first roller blind is substantially composed of a photovoltaic film.

[0209] The first roller blind can be configured as determined by the roller blind system of the first and / or second aspects.

[0210] The second roller blind can be configured as determined by the roller blind system of the first and / or second aspects.

[0211] In the system described above, the first roller blind and the second roller blind can be configured within a single housing or enclosure defined in the first and / or second aspects.

[0212] When referring to complete entities or components having equivalents known from the above description, these complete entities are incorporated herein as if they were individually described.

[0213] The disclosure of the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, but other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the disclosure of the present invention. That is, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure of the present invention. For example, various components can be repositioned as needed. Further, not all of the above-described features, aspects, and advantages are necessarily required to practice the disclosure of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the following claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0214] 1 Roller blind system 2 Roller blind 3 Solar power generation film 5 Housing 7 Light

Claims

1. A roller blind consisting of a solar power generation film configured to face the exterior surface of the building envelope when in use, An energy storage system capable of receiving electricity generated from the aforementioned solar power generation film, A motor that can be connected via a drive system for winding the roller blind, which will be wound forward or to a retracted position, A controller configured to operate at least the motor to rotate forward or retract the roller blind to a desired extended position, Includes, A roller blind system in which at least the bottom or lower portion, which is the tail or foot of the blind, is made of the solar power generation film.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the roller blind and the solar power generation film are attached to or connected to one another.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the side of the solar power generation film facing the interior is composed of decorative or non-decorative decoration, and the decorative or non-decorative decoration is a layer of material printed, laminated, or otherwise attached to the side of the solar power generation film facing the interior.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the side of the roller blind facing the interior is composed of a light-colored, uncolored, or colored layer.

5. The energy storage system comprises one or more batteries, and optionally the energy storage system has a capacity sufficient to store all of the energy generated by the solar power generation film on a daily basis, according to claim 1.

6. The system according to claim 1, provided in a start-up standby configuration, or in a field initial configuration, or in an immediate use function, having the energy storage system installed at the factory with at least a minimum amount of power charge for initial configuration.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage system is provided for on-site installation in a pre-assembled or start-up-ready configuration, and the energy storage system is provided in a disconnected state awaiting final on-site installation.

8. The system further includes a charging port that provides power to the aforementioned built-in energy storage system, Alternatively, the charging port is provided for extracting power from the energy storage system. The system according to claim 1.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the charging port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, or another electrical port configuration configured to accept or provide power and / or a data link.

10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a housing as a blind box or decorative fabric-style cover for the system.

11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more lights.

12. a) The one or more lights are provided to assist in illuminating a room or space in which the system is installed, b) The one or more lights are provided around or inside the housing, c) The housing includes one or more openings through which light from one or more lights is projected or directed, d) A diffuser is provided over one or more light surfaces or over one or more aperture surfaces to diffuse the light, e) The controller adjusts the brightness or luminous flux (or lumens) emitted by the one or more lights, f) Light provided by one or more lights is projected or directed across the room / space, g) The siding or surface of the housing includes the one or more lights, The system according to claim 11, wherein one or more of the following:

13. Includes one or more sensors for measuring and / or detecting one or more room conditions, the one or more room conditions are a) Movement or activity within a room / space (e.g., degree of occupancy), b) Light level in the room / space, c) External ambient light level, d) Combinations of room / space light levels and external light levels, e) Room / space temperature, f) Timer schedule based on time or day of the week, g) Manual signal input from the user, h) Actions from the user, or i) Voice or other audible sounds from the user The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the following:

14. The aforementioned controller, a) The motor adjusts the roller blind or screen to a desired extended position based on one or more of the room conditions, for example, in order to reduce the light level in the room / space or to reduce incident external light. b) Light output level that responds to ambient light conditions, It operates to adjust one or both of the following: The system according to claim 1.

15. The aforementioned controller further, a) Operates to adjust based on measured or detected room conditions, b) Operating based on room conditions measured or sensed by one or more sensors integrated into the system or integrated as part of the housing, c) The system according to claim 14, which operates based on room conditions measured or sensed by one or more sensors that are remotely provided around the room / space and provide signals back to the controller.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein manual input from the user is a signal transmitted / received by a sensor or the controller to manually provide a desired extended position of the roller blind, and the user manually sets or adjusts a preferred light level or room temperature in a room from a default setting or based on the amount of motion or level or activity in the room over a period of time, or adjusts a predetermined timer schedule or other automatic adjustment amount based on measured or detected room / space conditions.

17. The system according to claim 1, which communicates with or is provided in a state of communication with a building management system (BMS), and is operable or controllable through the BMS.

18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein in the configuration used or installed, the blind is wound in such a way that a portion of the photovoltaic film remains exposed, and the maximum storage position of the blind in use is provided to a predetermined minimum extension length that is substantially sufficient to allow the minimum power generation or power charging for use by the system.

19. At least one first roller blind and at least one second roller blind to be installed in a substantially parallel configuration, The at least one first roller blind and the at least one second roller blind are arranged in such a manner that, when in use, the first roller blind is positioned relatively further outward or closer to the light source than the second roller blind, and the second roller blind is positioned relatively further inward or further away from the light source than the first roller blind. At least one of the first roller blind or the second roller blind, or both the first and second roller blinds, is composed of a photovoltaic film configured to face a light source when in use. Each of the first roller blinds and the second roller blinds can be operated independently. The at least one first roller blind and the at least one second roller blind, An energy storage system capable of receiving electricity generated from the aforementioned solar power generation film, A motor connectable through a drive system for winding each of the first roller blinds and / or the second roller blinds, wherein each of the first and / or second roller blinds is wound to an advanced or retracted position, A controller configured to operate at least the motor to rotate forward or retract each of the first and / or second roller blinds to a desired extended position, Includes, A roller blind system in which at least one first roller blind and / or the tail or foot portion of the second roller blind, at least the bottom portion or lower portion, is made of the photovoltaic film.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, during use, at least one predetermined length portion of the roller blind, which is a tail or foot portion made of the solar power generation film, is left exposed for exposure to a light source.

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